“In the Penalty Box” segment is a new project we are working on. Skaters will be doing one-on-one interviews with their league mates at random a few times a month.

Interviewed by Paula G. Imnaughty.

Paula G. Imnaughty: When you’re not being the almighty awesome Pearl Jammer, what is your alter ego doing?
Pearl Jammer: By day, I work at a boarding kennel (think hotel for your furry friends) where I not only get to spend time caring for amazing animals, but also get to play with power tools and yard machines. LOOK OUT!

PGI: You’ve recently returned to the track and the Stepford Sabotage from an injury. How did it feel returning? What was running through your head on your first jam?
PJ: Frankly, it felt like I never left, mostly because I didn’t. I went to almost every practice from the time I had surgery to the time I was cleared to strap 8 wheels back on my feet. (My bit of advice to fellow skaters out there who are sidelined with an injury: go to practice and watch as often as you can. You will learn a TON just by watching because you don’t have to worry about actually doing. When you return to action, you will be AMAZED at how much of what you saw you can quickly implement.) The noticeable difference when I returned was how the game was being played before and how it was being played when I came back. The packs moved differently and that took some getting used to. What was running through my head, you ask? The same thing that runs through my head every time I step up to that line: “Don’t think, just go.”

“In the Penalty Box” segment is a new project we are working on. Skaters will be doing one-on-one interviews with their league mates at random a few times a month.

Interviewed by Murphy's Outlaw.

Murphy's OUTLAW: How did a classy lady like yourself get wrapped up in a sport like roller derby?

Paula G. Imnaughty: My main squeeze, Mr. Naughty (aka Paige) and I used to watch the A&E miniseries about roller derby and it was neat but I never thought much of it. A year later, I went away to North Carolina for grad school and one day Paige called me and told me about a league in CT. There was one in North Carolina too and they were very cool, but I didn’t have the time to join. When I came back home, he took me to a game and I remember thinking, “I want to do this, this is so cool!” (And to be honest, Paige gushed about Black Cherry and I got jealous! Hahaha!) My mom always teases me about how I’m always latching on to new things I want to try and I can’t ever sit still, and roller derby just became this new fascination. I wanted to be like those girls and have fun and skate the best I could.

MO: I must say you have one of the meanest most intense game faces I have ever seen in derby..... What are you thinking to yourself when you are jamming?

PG: I’m thinking “Get through the pack…you must get through the pack.” All the while, I’m observing the opposing team like chess pieces. Which ones are weaker than the others? Which ones can I move out of my way? Or the ones I can sneak by easily. I think of the times in New York City, when I’m dodging in and out of people on the streets. I laugh when people say I look mean, because I’m not thinking mean thoughts at all. My face betrays me. Or maybe that’s the real Paula coming through. She can be an angry bird.

“In the Penalty Box” segment is a new project we are working on. Skaters will be doing one-on-one interviews with their league mates at random a few times a month.

Interviewed by Dee Nasty.

Dee Nasty: Did you play sports in high school and college? What did you play?
Murphy's OUTLAW: I played tennis and softball in high school. I also did ballet and dance for 13 years, figure skating, and water-skied outside of school. I've always enjoyed running as my outlet for exercise and stress relief!

DN: What attracted you to CTRG?
MO: I didn't know roller derby existed until one day I was screwing around on Craigslist and saw a pair of roller derby skates my size for sale. This led me to Google roller derby in Connecticut; I did some web research, and lo and behold our state had it and tryouts were in two weeks! So I bought the skates and tried them out once to make sure I could still stand up and showed up at tryouts! Roller derby had me at HELLO!

DN: When did you try out?
MO: December of 2008. Wow that sounds like forever ago but it seems like yesterday!

DN: There are many fans who want to know: is Murphy's OUTLAW single?
MO: Nope! Sorry ladies and gents, I'm happily living in sin with a man who makes me the luckiest gal ever!

“In the Penalty Box” segment is a new project we are working on. Skaters will be doing one-on-one interviews with their league mates at random a few times a month.

Interviewed by Doomcake.

How did you get involved with CTRG?

I saw an article in our local newspaper. The league had just formed a few months prior. I used to skate when I was younger and it just sounded really awesome. I was so anxious to play, that I bought my skates and gear before I even observed a practice or bout.

by Parker Poison

This “In the Penalty Box” segment is a new project we are working on. Skaters will be doing one-on-one interviews with their league mates at random a few times a month.

How did you get involved with CT RollerGirls?

I've been with the league since its inception in 2006. Sometime in 2005 I read a feature about Gotham Girls Roller Derby in a magazine. It was the first time I learned of the roller derby resurgence. As soon as I read it I knew it was something I wanted to do. I immediately started searching to see if there was a league in CT that I didn't know about. I even left posts on skating related message boards! One day I was contacted by a girl who said was looking to start a league in CT and the rest is history! 

How did you come up with your derby name?

My name came from a love of Invader Zim and cupcakes, well baked goods in general.

By Eleanor Bruisevelt

I’m heading to the rink tonight to interview one of the most hard working and dedicated members of the CT RollerGirls, who also happens to be one of my very close friends, our league chairwoman, Parker Poison (did I mention she is also the WFTDA Grievance Chair and WFTDA apprentice league application reviewer?)

It’s off-season for CTRG, but that doesn’t keep Parker from showing up at the non-mandatory, once-a-week practices during break. Many skaters take a break from commuting to the rink two to three times per week during off-season to give their minds and bodies a much needed rest. Parker doesn’t know the meaning of the word “break;” I don’t think that she has ever actually taken a break during her time with CTRG. Parker eats, sleeps, and breathes Roller Derby. Once you get to know Parker Poison, you’ll realize what a vital role in CTRG she plays.

This “In the Penalty Box” segment is a new project we are working on for our website. Skaters will be doing one-on-one interviews with their league mates at random a few times a month (check our website for updates) Ironically, Parker is one of the last skaters you will find in the penalty box and if you do, it’s because she meant to do it.