Smashley Wheelams

Derby Name: Smashley Wheelams aka Smash

Derby Number: 1981

How did you choose your name and number: I'm a big movie person, and Evil Dead is one of my top favorites.  Ash from the movie is witty, goofy, but can fight some deadites so I adapted it for myself.  I picked 1981 because that is when the first movie came out.

When did you start roller derby: October of 2010

Favorite derby memory: Winning back to back MVP's was pretty amazing this year.  It's great to get recognized by other people for putting in your hard work and attempting to be an all around skater. 

How has derby positively affected you: Derby has saved me.  First and most important it keeps me fit when I decide to eat too many cupcakes.  It's opened the doors for some amazing experiences and meeting some of the most fantastic people you can even imagine.  If it wasn't for derby I wouldn't have the pleasure of knowing half the people I do.  It brings together so many personalities and breaks down walls of people so you can really get to know them.  I love it.


Favorite quote: "I like being weird. Weird's all i got. And that's my sweet style" - Maurice Moss
"I like flaws and feel more comfortable around people who have them.  I myself am made entirely of flaws stitched together with good intentions." - Augusten Burroughs, Magical Thinking

Any other juicy tidbits we should know: I am the most awkward person ever. Try me.


*photos courtesy Dan Jugglenaut Purdy, Robert Lipscomb Photography, and Smash's fb

Little Miss Meany!!!

Derby Name:  Little Miss Meany

Derby Number:  4

How did you choose your name and number:
My best friend came up with the Meany part, I have always liked the Little Miss and Mr Men books.  So with some family brainstorming we came up with my name.  Nika Plz was a close second.
The number four has always been a number I liked.


When did you join derby:
April 2011

Favorite derby memory:
One of my first best memories is when I was still pretty fresh and we were doing ninja sprints and I was having a tough time.  Rosie gave me a whip and an encouraging word.  Other memories: When I became a vet, when Rosie asked me to be her derby wife, the after after party in Wilmington, NC, and yes swimming with Doll Nightmare, having my family support me at home bouts.

How has derby positively affected you:
Derby has given me more confidence in my body and mental abilities.  It has given me an outlet that has centered me and allowed me to be calmer in other parts of my life.  Derby has also given me many friends.

Favorite quote:
Aloneness is not loneliness but a physical state of solitude

Any other interesting tidbits:
I have a wonderful husband of 10 years and an incredible son, Anthony, age 23.  We just got custody of our niece, age 6, and nephew, age 4.  So our family grew instantly.

*Photos courtesy Robert Lipscomb Photography and Meany's fb

Number 99!!!

Derby Name: Doll Nightmare


Derby Number: 99

What made you pick your name and number:
I've been a "nightmare" ever since I turned 12; always getting into trouble.  It's a salute to my darkside.  My everyday name is Barbi and I'm only 5'2" so that's where the "Doll" part comes in.
Nine is my favorite number, but a former skater (SnakeLegs) had that number.  I borrowed her skates when I was freshmeat until I was able to buy my own... so out of respect for her, I didn't take her one nine... I chose 99 instead.  Killnitzki said "I would have 99 ways to ruin someones life" - ha! I liked that (and I'm still working hard on those "ways")

When did you join derby:
I broke my kneecap in December of 2009 in a klutzy accident that had nothing to do with skating.  While I was recovering I went to a derby bout and met Betty CrasHer who invited me to come check out a practice.  I went to my first practice in July 2010 and I've been skating and training with Rocktown ever since.

Favorite derby memory:
I have so many great memories with many of my roller sisters. I've met and trained with some incredible derby athletes like Bonnie D'Stroir, Shenita Stretcher, and Mercy (from Rose City) and cherish those memories because they taught me so much.
Hanging out with the amazing women of River City is ALWAYS epic.
But, I'm really fond of the memory of Little Miss Meany and I (after an out of state bout) sneaking off to take a midnight swim after our motel pool had closed.  We had to jump the chain link fence because the gate was locked.  There was much whispering and giggling involved, it made me feel like a naughty teenager again.

Favorite quote:
"You will never defeat me Skeletor" - Masters of the Universe

How has derby positively affected you:
It has shown me that I am capable of ANYTHING.  It has made me stronger, both body and mind.  Roller derby has brought the most incredibly amazing people into my life.  People I would not have met elsewhere.

Anything else we should know about you:
I've been married forever (16 years) and my husband turned derby ref in order to still see me.  I have two funny kids (11 and 14) and we live with five old rescue pugs and 2 kitties.