As part of an online series that lets you meet Windy City Rollers skaters and staff, allow us to introduce you to:

DEE MONICA!

Q: You started your derby career with the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls... How was it to play against them (and win!) on your old home turf?

A: When I found out I was on the roster to play against my original team, I was so excited! I hadn't played on the same track with those girls in almost 3 years. It was also very cool because my immediate family and many of my friends in Colorado have never been able to see me play; they came to the bout, along with some friends I haven’t seen since I moved to Chicago. Winning was the icing on the cake for sure!! It was really fun playing against them and playing in the original place I had my first bout ever!

Q: You lead a lot of boot camps for the WCR folks, just finished school at the National Personal Training Institute and are now a personal trainer. Which drill do people complain about the most?

A: I would have to say that suicides and wheelbarrows are the drill that folks complain about the most, but… they have a love/ hate relationship with me and my drills; the drills help them to become that much better of a player! You think I like doing suicides??!! They’re the worst! But, I know I have to, to be a better player, darn it!

Q: What's your favorite workout song?

A: My favorite workout song would have to be “Love Me or Hate Me” by Lady Sovereign. It's too ridiculous not to have fun working out to it, and especially skating to it!!

--interview by Donna D. Apacalypse