Deb Autry is in her second season with the Hell's Belles. Learn more about how she's handling the transition from standout rookie last year to one of the solid anchors of the team in 2010. We're in the second half of our 2010 home season and our next game is May 1. Get your tickets now!

photo by Thia Penta

Loco Chanel: This is your second year with the Windy City Rollers, can you compare and contrast the feelings of going into this season vs your rookie season?

Deb Autry: My first year I was drafted onto the Hell's Belles who were coming off an undefeated, championship season.  We had a solid roster of amazing and talented girls, so if I wanted a place on the team, I had to prove myself every time I stepped onto the track.  I was brand new to skating and roller derby, so I was a sponge trying to absorb every tip and all the words of wisdom from my more experienced teammates.  That season was really about learning the game and finding my stride as a skater.

In the off season we had a rash of retirements so this year I AM the experienced teammate.  With 10+ new skaters on the team, this season is more about developing everyone and learning to play together as a cohesive team.  This year I’m working on stepping into a leadership role and sharing my knowledge, while still refining my own game.

LC: What's your sports experience prior to joining the Windy City Rollers? How did you get involved in roller derby?

DA: I’ve played soccer as long as I can remember.  Starting in grade school up through playing Varsity level in High School.  In college at UW-Madison I played co-ed intramural soccer, but the season was only 6 weeks long.  When I started to get antsy between my soccer fixes a friend suggested I give rugby a try.  I instantly liked the physicality of it and after playing soccer for 15+ years it was fun to learn a new sport with new rules and strategy.

Right around the time of my graduation, the Madison roller derby league was starting up.  A lot of girls from rugby were joining, so roller derby was definitely on my radar.  I was intrigued, but I knew I’d be moving back to Chicago so I didn't want to start something I couldn't finish.  In Chicago I’d attend a couple bouts here and there.  I really enjoyed it and told all my friends “I could do that,” but I also knew it was a big time commitment that I wasn’t ready for.  After 2 years I finally started to feel settled and after talking the talk, I decided it was time to walk the walk.  I borrowed some skates, tried out, and the rest is history.

LC: You're one of the more versatile players on the Belles-- good at defensive blocking, offensive blocking, and a strong jammer. What's your favorite position to play?

DA: Haha, I think I’m expected to say jammer, but the truth is jamming still scares the crap out of me.  Sure you get all the glory, but you also get all the pressure.  They should really replace the star on your helmet with a target.  And as an offensive blocker sometime it’s hard for me to turn off my jammer instincts and too often I  find myself taking my jammer’s path.

I’d say I enjoy defensive blocking the most.  It’s fun to be the scary, intimidating one; the predator instead of the prey.  Nothing beats landing a good hit on the jammer.

LC: What's been your favorite WCR memory/ experience thus far?

DA: Being a nervous rookie in my first bout, but still going out there and performing was a big "I can do this" moment for me.  Getting lead jammer against girls who play as All Stars was terrifying in the most exhilarating way and made me a lot more confident in myself and my abilities.

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