May Rollergirl of the Month

By Stampeedee Gonzales
Photos courtesy of
Chris Wage
5/1/2013

May

Stampeedee Gonzales: How did you first get involved in roller derby?

Evil Mendes: I saw my first derby bout at a rinky dink old skating rink back home in Dallas. I was in complete awe. To me these women looked like they were having a blast. I liked how much fun they were having and how tough these ladies where. I loved being a fan so much that I soon wanted to try it out for myself. I didn't try out back home cause I knew I would love it too much and wouldn't want to move out of state. So when I moved here to Nashville. I knew they had derby and I knew I had to be on that team.

sg: Who has been your favorite rollergirl to compete with or against?

Evil Mendes: As cheesy as this might sounds but it's Hippy Ki Yay. She is my derby big sis but doesn't take that into consideration when she is killing me on the track. She challenges me to be a better player all the time.

sg: What has been your favorite derby outing? Y'know party, sponsor event, road trip, etc.

Evil Mendes: I would have to say our anual cabrewing trips.

sg: Besides Nashville, what is your favorite derby team?

Evil Mendes: TEXAS of course!!! Also, Assassination City will always have a piece of my heart.

sg: What is your favorite position/role to play?

Evil Mendes: I love being a blocker.

sg: Why do you do derby?

Evil Mendes: I originally did it to get in shape and make some friends. I do it now because I love the competitiveness and drive it has given me. It pushes me to what I thought was my limit and then some. When I broke my ankle last year and all I could think of was "how long will it be till I can play again?" That's when I knew I loved this sport!

sg: What does it take to be a killer blocker?

Evil Mendes: I'm work on that title but I think it takes a lot of team work. The first thing they teach you is never leave your partner and don't be alone in the pack. Having your teammates there only makes you stronger. We all have our strengths and weaknesses to learn from. You might be a good blocker alone but with three others in a wall...well, That's one wall I wouldn't want to face.

Join Us!

Think you've got what it takes to be a Nashville Rollergirl? We offer Derby 101 workshops and training clinics throughout the year and tryouts are held every few months. Derby 101 is coming up on Sunday June 9th from 12:30-3:30pm at the Blood and Thunderdome. Ready to see if you've got what it takes, click here for more information.