What is the back story on your derby name?

Well to be honest it was chosen at random.  I wanted a name that was different and fit who I was as a person.  I had 3 names each one with a backstory, but I could not decide. So I put them all in a cup and randomly picked one.  ElectraCute was the winner winner chicken dinner.  

The story behind the name: Ten years ago as a baby (new) nurse in the ICU, I remember a patient family member was present when there was a code blue in progress. I had to use the defibrillator to stabilize the patient and their heart rhythm. After the code, the patient was stabilized and the family member thanked me for “electrocuting them back to life.”  That always stuck with me. I save patients by “electrocuting” them… always makes me laugh.

Why did you start roller derby?

Roller derby was a sport that sparked my interest after watching Whip It and seeing an fb ad for Beginner Skating with SSRD. I was excited there was roller derby in my area of town. I was an avid speed skater when I was younger and roller derby looked like an awesome outlet to skate again.  Not going to lie, I loved the idea of learning a new sport, finding a new outlet to relieve stress, and be a badass.

What was your injury?

My injury was a Comminuted Right Ankle Trimalleolar Fracture. I know that sounds like a mouth full.  I’ll break it down – Comminuted means I broke into more than 2 fragments – my fibula looked like “cornflakes” as my surgeon put it.  Comminuted fractures are the most common high impact fracture. Trimalleolar means I broke my ankle in 3 places – lateral malleolus, the medial malleolus, and the distal aspect of the tibia (posterior malleolus) – picture below.

I had surgery, a Right Ankle Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF).  I now have a bionic ankle. I have a plate and 12 screws – before and after x-rays below.

Injury can happen at any time to anyone.

My X-rays – from initial break, surgery, recovery, and healed.

How long did it take you to get back on skates?

It was a long process getting back on skates and everyone’s recovery and injury are different.

I broke 3/25/2019 and I was back 10/21/2019…..

Total time out of commission: 6 ½ months from derby.

And it was my right foot so I was not able to drive until July 20, 2019.  That was 4 months depending on others for rides… I was so lucky I had supportive family, friends, derby sisters, and co-workers.  It takes a village when you are injured.

What was your first practice back like?

My first practice back I was feeling all the emotions – excited, petrified, self-doubt, determination.  I have skated at physical therapy, but that was in a small enclosed space with people around. Going to the rink was a new hurdle I needed overcome.  As, I was putting on my pads, I was shaking and nervous. My mind was running a million miles a minute. I was told by a veteran skater that had a previous ankle injury “it was normal” and those words helped push down the doubt I had.  Once my skates were laced up, I headed to the track. It was all coming back to me - Skating laps, stopping, and plowing – getting my bearings back was an amazing feeling. 

 I was able to help teach the beginner’s class and that was super fun.  I was able to give the beginner skaters my input on improving their skills and then watch them implement the changes.  I loved being involved as a beginner trainer and help build their confidence and mine as well.

What did you do to stay involved well off skates? And how did it help you?

I stayed involved with derby by joining the Skulls N’ Stripes as a Non-skating Official (NSO).  By joining I have gained a new ref family. These wonderful zebras have helped build my confidence within myself by learning the rules and regulations aka “the other side of derby”.  I was able to be involved in Battle on the Bank, SSRD home games, the Championship games, and next Banxgiving. Being on the officials’ side of derby has opened my eyes especially on penalties, why they are called, what they look like, and how to avoid them.  This knowledge is extremely beneficial for an official/ref and skater’s growth within the sport. 

Three things you would like to tell other skater going through an injury?

The three things I would tell a skater going through an injury is:

1. Be Patient and Kind to yourself
   • I am not one for patience and this injury taught me to be patient with myself and not be in a rush to go anywhere. Wise words were said to me during my injury “take care of yourself first, let your body heal, derby will always be there” which helped during my recovery.  
   • When you are injured you go through the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.  Once you get through the initial shock and you accept your injury you can look forward to the rest of your recovery.  I was able to push past what I cannot do and focus on what I CAN do.
   • Let yourself Cry and don’t apologize for it!!!

1. Find your Tribe – Get in where you fit in

• I was referred to a Roller Derby Injury Page on Facebook and found a whole community of like-minded roller derby individuals whom were going through injury.  I learned that everyone’s recovery is different and you cannot compare yourself to another injured skater. This group has been vital in my recovery and I have made new derby friends from around the world.
• Stay involved – go to scrimmages, practices.  Ask to join team Zebra and learn a new side to derby or even help bench coach.

1.  Take charge in your recovery
   • You know what is needed to help you recover. 

1. • • Ask Questions – no question is a stupid question – to your medical team, fellow injured and past injured derby girls.
     • Ask for Physical Therapy -- let them know wat your goals are and work towards them.  I begged for therapy because of how bad my break was and I am glad I did. 
     • Do strengthening exercises and balancing exercises -- Get in the gym as soon as you can tolerate it – Muscle Atrophy is REAL and Staying Active helped me not go insane.
     • Prepare yourself mentally returning – this is the hardest aspect, getting over the mental hurdle

It was a very hard pill to swallow being injured and on the sidelines, but I am so lucky to have an amazing roller derby league who helped me through this dark time.

Injured Derby Sisters – November Pain (knee) and ElectraCute (ankle) at Battle on the Bank