Interview with Eva Dead, WCR All-Stars
In the short days leading up to the WCR All-Stars trip to Philly for the Declaration of Derby, the 2009 WFTDA National Championships, I talked with some of the skaters to learn more about their experience on the team and how they're preparing for the big event.
Loco Chanel: You've been on the All-Star team for 3 years now-- this is your third tournament season and will be your third trip to Nationals. How would you compare each season?
Eva Dead: My first All-Star season was the first that Windy came out as a real contender. Every win was exhilarating and surprising for us, and losing to Texas in our first bout at Nationals ('07) was real fuel for the future fire.
Since then, it's been an onward and upward march of rehashing and fine-tuning and training. I'm excited to see newer teams come out of nowhere and claw their way to Nationals. I love that I've come this far with a lot of the same rockstars, and the new kids fit right in. What else can I say? There will be dream-crushing.
In addition to being an All-Star this year, you had your first captaining experience with the 2009 Fury. How does just being a player contrast to captaining a team?
I love, love, LOVE The Fury and I loved being their captain! Captaining was great and exhausting and rewarding, but I also appreciate strategies and thought processes of other captains. There are so many good brains and good ways to mix them up (and eat them).
I get a better workout and more sleep as a lowly player. But I don't get to see Juanna Bumble as much as I want.
Unlike previous years, it seems like WCR is widely regarded as a top contender at this year's Nationals, contrasted to previous years when the team was more under the radar. How are you approaching the final weeks of training before the big tournament?
Same as always, honestly.
Nursing bruises from my own teammates gives me confidence that other teams in Philly will be doing the same soon. While I'm super excited about Nationals, my teammates are an old, comfortable constant and I draw a lot of strength from them being them. Also, plenty of water, toe-touches and dream-crushing.
Like I said, same as always.
At the October home game against Rose City, you announced your intent to retire after Nationals. Is there anything we can do to make you change your mind? (Yes, I'm serious...)
Bring mountains and/or coast to me. Lake Michigan is not a coast! [It's lovely, for sure, but solid fist on this] I'd settle for a farm. And/or a salary for full-time derbying.
There comes a time in a derby girl's career when she must choose to either maintain or sacrifice more in order to improve. I've retired from The Fury (insert heart-shaped emoticon) and I'm riding out this lonely All-Star-only wave to see where it goes, but I imagine I'll skip town before next season anyway. [Boo... hiss...]
In one of the DNN boutcasts at Regionals, I shared your newest training secret--especially for agility and footwork training-- TAP. How did your passion for the dance start?
It was like a dream - you were there, and Chrissy Fiction was there... and we were all at a Bottom Lounge afterparty dancing but we couldn't hear our feet... and we couldn't dance anyway!
I love trying new things and the process of getting good at them. It's good and useful to learn how you learn and use new muscles and have your mind blown now and then. I'll bring my tap shoes to Philly - find us and we'll teach you The Pony!
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