Introducing Ruff McGruff from the Divas de las Muertas
Skater Name: Ruff McGruff
Number: 24×7
Tagline: “Taking bites outta that pack”
Home league: Aurora 88s
Home Team: DDLM (Divas de las Muertas)
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I wanted to join something and was tired of begging my friends to go skating with me. I looked for a jam skate class but couldn’t find one. Then I heard about roller derby and thought I would check it out. Who knew there were this many women that loved to skate as much I as do!
How long have you been playing roller derby?
I have been roller skating since I was like 5yrs old….but only playing derby for a year.
How did you come up with your derby name?
I knew I wanted the word RUFF in my name because I love animals…especially dogs. I work at an animal emergency hospital and animals are my life. My friend, Cee Know Evil, actually called me Ruff McGruff one day and I thought the name was a great fit. I am like a crime dog…..I always follow the rules and of course “say no to drugs”!
Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby?
I already knew how to skate starting out in my derby career, but I had no idea how to play the game or what the rules were. I read the rule book about 4 times and learned all the ref hand signals. Our trainers, Devi Metal and Ivy Sedation, taught us how to give and receive hits, strategy and put us all through basic training. Going to watch other leagues play was also a big help.
What is your roller derby playing position of choice?
Jammer……LEAD jammer, preferably
What is your team theme song?
Living Dead Girls by Rob Zombie
What is your team motto?
“Divas Never Die”. No matter how much we may be hurting, you can never kill our spirit.
What is one thing that really inspired you about playing with your current team?
The more I got to know the gals on my team, the more I liked them. We support each other on and off the rink and I wouldn’t trade them for anyone. There are some really cool chicks on the Glams and HCC too (just don’t tell them I said that 
How does your team stay focused and motivated during bouts?
I think everyone has their own way of staying focused and motivated. I know I like to listen to my music to get me pumped. I also keep my eye on the scoreboard. I am very competitive and hate losing. So the score keeps me focused. Others on my team have IVY’s voice stuck in the back of their head saying “hit a red!” Plus I think we motivate each other with encouragement and praise. Others use visualization techniques….which is not for me.
What is one derby training tip you would give to derby girls and/or teams just starting out? Start with the basics. Everything in life is learned with repetition. And remember, ALWAYS safety first! You can really get hurt in this sport if you are not stable and low on your skates, do not know how to properly fall or take a hit. But most of all, have fun!
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