The Denialator
Name: The Denialator
Nickname: D
Origin of name: I’m a loan officer…I do approve people but sometimes I have to deny them as well.
Number: 850, it’s the highest credit score
Team: NWARD All Stars
Position: blocker and pivot
How long have I been skating: I got my start in elementary and then took a break for 18 years or so. Started back up January 2011.
When did I join derby: January 2011, the first Sunday the team was back from Christmas break.
How did I get involved: A few years ago I was skating at the Springdale rink and some derby girls came up after and asked me if I had ever thought about it. I had no clue what roller derby was but I did think it sounded like fun. So I went home and looked at some pictures and immediately thought “this isn’t for me”. Then in November 2010 things changed in my life and I decided I wanted to do something for me….after thinking to myself “what is something that I want to do but have never done”, the idea of roller derby came back to me. It’s been the best thing I could have done for myself.
What role do I play: Driver of JoAnn of Arc and co-committe head of Events.
Motivational quote: Can’t never did do anything.
Derby Heroes: Hall Balls and Bella Fire.
What makes me have instant respect for another skater: The will to push through it and to never give up. And to learn.
What do I do outside of derby: Volunteer at the Walton Arts Center, just got a second job at the Walton Arts Center, work at Arvest Bank, treasurer for my sorority’s house corporation, read, watch movies, write a food blog and I love to travel.
Favorite derby moments so far: The regional trip to KC. Smacking Jett in the butt with the tire tube. The new friends I’ve made.
Favorite derby teams: KC Warriors and Texecutioners. Just started watching derby so I haven’t seen a lot of other teams play yet.
If I could remove one penalty: Out of play. I always get called on it.
What advice would I give to new players: Keep at it. I love every minute that I’m on and off the track with my girls.
Where am I from: Born in Kentucky, raised in Springfield Missouri, lived in Florida for a few years during High School, moved to Arkansas for University and have been here ever since.
How long have I lived here: 11 years
What keeps me here: My job and my friends.
Animals: Just the animals I dog-sit for!
Family: Sin:) My dad and step mom live in Eureka and my mom and step dad live in Florida.
Rusty Guillotine
Nickname: Rusty
What’s the origin of your name? Well my profession is cutting hair and I wanted to incorporate that with my name. A Guillotine is an execution device used for decapitation. So I went with that and made it rusty so it would hurt more.
Number: 45
What does your number mean? A Guillotine blade is at a 45 degree angle
Team: Formally Backwoods Betties, formally Pistol Whips, and currently NWA All-Stars
What position do you play? Blocker/ Lead Blocker
How long have you been skating? Just skating… since I was a kid.
When did you join derby? I started Fresh-meat in February 2010, joined the league in May 2010.
How did you get involved in derby? 99, her husband, my husband and I all went to Starlight Skatium one night to see if we could skate as good as we proclaim to be able to (and the husbands are not as good as they thought). While we were there we saw a poster with NWARD on it and it saying something about fresh-meat and 99 said we should try it. Well it wasn’t much time after that night that 99 called me up on a Sunday evening telling me all about what I was missing out on. So after a few Sundays of this I decided to go, I went and I loved it.
Signature move: “Bulldozing” AKA: taking a blocker/jammer out that needs to be taken out.
What role do you play behind the scenes? I am part of the Grievance and Referee committees
Pre-bout ritual: Eat a good breakfast; hydrate; shower; hydrate; light lunch; hydrate; get dressed; hydrate; Go Skate!
Motivational quote: I’m not a quote kind of girl, I’m too generic.
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? Skate good, hit hard and be a nice person off the track.
What do you do outside of derby? I am a cosmetologist, I do a little painting on the side, and I am a wife to Mr. Rusty Guillotine.
Favorite derby moment so far? I think it was the time I was allowed to jam in an All-Star game and I was doing great. I was scoring points for the team but I was dying. The only thing that kept my legs moving was the encouraging noise of the crowd. I did a great job jamming that one time and now I know why I block, I would only be good for one or two jams otherwise.
Favorite derby teams? NWARD, KCRW, Magic City, No Coast
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? I don’t know if I would remove rules, I suppose all of them have a good reason for being in the book. I would really have to do some thinking on that.
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Keep on keeping on. If your muscles kill you, just get your skates on and skate anyways. If you can’t get that skill down, just keep working on it till you quit falling. Don’t be afraid to ask your fellow skaters for advice.
Derby awards? I won the MVP award with the Pistol Whips against the Gatlin Girls, and I got the “Bulldozer” award with the All-Stars in 2011
Where are you from? Springdale, born and raised
How long have you lived here? All of my 25 years of life
What keeps you here? It’s home.
Animals? Oh yea, I got some of those…Two dogs, Blue healer mix named Possum & a Sharpe/Basset mix named Suzie; A cat, brown tabby we adopted from Fayetteville animal shelter named Marilyn; Two turtles and a fish.
Family? My husband and I don’t have our own family but we do have our parents, our siblings, our aunts & uncles, our nephews, and his grandmothers. Then of course I have my derby family.
Fergie
Name: Fergie
Nickname: Fergie
What’s the origin of your name? My last name is Ferguson, I have always been called Fergie.
Number: 5150
What does your number mean? It’s a code for Crazy, and I believe we are all just a little crazy.
Team: NWARD B-Team
What position do you play? Not Sure Yet
How long have you been skating? On and off since I was 6
When did you join derby? Nov 2011
How did you get involved in derby? STOMP’N ASH Ash had been trying to get me to try after she joined, and it wasn’t until I came to watch as a sponsor for Macadoodles that I had to try it.
Signature move: Don’t have one yet
Pre-bout ritual: Have not got a chance to play yet.
Motivational quote: If you fall get back up and do it again.
Derby heroes: JoAnn, Jett and all the girls that are on the team.
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? Their drive and motivation and strength
What do you do outside of derby? I am a single mother of 3 amazing children and I have worked at Macadoodles for 7 1/2 years, I work in the office and am referred to as the ‘cash girl’.
Favorite derby moment so far? Passing my MST
Favorite derby teams? I would have to say NWARD
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? Not really sure yet
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions.
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Rogers, AR and moved to Pea Ridge, AR in High School and currently live in Missouri
How long have you lived here? forever
What keeps you here? I just don’t have any reason to go anywhere else.
Animals? I do not have any but my daughter has a dog and a cat.
Family? 3 kids, Michelle 11, Chyanne 9, and my little man Jacob 5. My Mom Linda, who encourages me to do what makes me happy and has been with me through everything good and bad in my life.
Captain Jay Sparrow
Name: Captain Jay Sparrow
Nickname: Jay
What’s the origin of your name? It’s a play on the Johnny Depp character “Captain Jack Sparrow.”
Number: 85
What does your number mean? I was born in 1985.
Team: I coach all of Northwest Arkansas Roller Derby.
What position do you play? When I play, I like to jam.
How long have you been skating? Since April 1, 2003
When did you join derby? Day 1 of NWARD… March of 2006
How did you get involved in derby? I was working in the skating rink when it started. I quickly fell in love with the sport.
Signature move: No signature move.
What roll do you play behind the scenes? I am Head Coach, and I am the head of the coaching committee. I am also on the team-selection committee.
Pre-bout ritual: Make sure my team can skate.
Motivational quote: “There is nothing wrong in roller derby which cannot be fixed by what is right in roller derby.” –Paraphrased Bill Clinton Quote
Derby heroes: Coach Ice
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? A team-player who welcomes obstacles.
What do you do outside of derby? I am an IT Administrator.
Favorite derby moment so far? Our first game against Kansas City was very meaningful for me. They helped me a lot, and they still do.
Favorite derby teams? NWA, Kansas City Roller Warriors, and Oly
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? I am more interested in a “no minors” restructuring.
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Learn to skate. It will make your life much easier.
Derby awards? I’ve received Best Coach multiple times. Usually by default…
Where are you from? I was born in Fayetteville, AR. I live in West Fork, AR.
How long have you lived here? All my life.
What keeps you here? I love the Fayetteville area, NWARD, and my family.
Animals? A pug and two giant cats.
Family? I am married to Sin. We met through Roller Derby. I live pretty close to my parents and brother, too.
Artemis Prime
Name: Artemis Prime
Nickname: Arty
What’s the origin of your name? (Artemis) is the Greek goddess of the Hunt , wilderness & moon, protectress and keeper of the girl child, twin sister of Apollo and one of two goddesses given special favor by their father Zeus to choose her own path. ( Prime ) for primary shapes and colors, inspired by the transformers character of Optimus Prime, protector/keeper of the matrix that balances the energies between good and evil.
Number: 212
What does your number mean? At 211 degrees water is hot, at 212 degrees water is boiling! With one degree of effort steam can power a locomotive and many other things, it is a reminder to have a 212 attitude and push myself one extra degree beyond what I think I am capable of since margins of victory are very small, and one degree of effort may make all the difference.
Team: NWA Roller Derby All-stars
What position do you play? Jammer , positional blocker
How long have you been skating? 1 year 4 months
When did you join derby? July 2010
How did you get involved in derby? I met Scarlet knuckles while teaching a seminar, she invited me to a bout. I went to see the Backwoods Betties and fell IN LOVE with the sport. One week later I was at fresh meat and ten weeks after that I was in my first bout.
Signature move: I’ve been told my tomahawk stops , speed and not giving up. I like to think its my on the line blow it up and forget about it fist bump with the other jammer on the line both wishing them well and letting them know it’s not personal, it’s derby 
What role do you play behind the scenes? I am secretly keeping the balance between positive and negative attitudes, looking out for the greater good. I love being a support system.
Pre-bout ritual: I drink a lot of water eat & sleep well the week of the bout, find a quiet space and visualize, even if it is just for a few minutes.
Motivational quote: ” Everybody gets butterflies in their stomach , the trick is to teach those butterflies to fly in formation”
Derby heroes: Slamerella, Suzy Hotrod, LaBomba, Sugar whips, unskinny wop, there are so many It is hard to mention all of my hero’s.
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? Doing the ” RIGHT ” things all the time on and off the track.
What do you do outside of derby? I am a single Mother of a 16 year old girl. I own two businesses under the house of the industry of beauty. I travel and teach Nationally and Internationally for a major hair care company : Paul Mitchell. I have a clientele I take care of here in my home town. I contract out as a hair and makeup artist in entertainment modeling industry. I am a fledgling photographer. I hike, horseback ride, enjoy cooking and growing my own vegetables, flowers and herbs. Paint with watercolors, oils and acrylics, sketch in charcoal and graphite, ballroom dance especially Argentine Tango. I have over 300 logged dives in scuba diving, sky dive, I ride enduro motorcycles and have competed in enduro racing, reading and constant learning.
Favorite derby moment so far? Winning the Home team championship as a Heartbreak roller !
Favorite derby teams? Gotham Queens of Pain, Houston Brawlers,
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? Hummm track cutting, lol…. Just kidding.. It’s my personal challenge
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Find a mentor-someone who has the skills you want to successfully accomplish. Take control of your life. Remember that if you want changes in your life only you can enact them. Never let anyone convince you that you can’t play a certain position or achieve your dream goals.
Derby awards? 2 time MVP all-stars, top recruiter 2010 award, awesome awards home team x 3
Where are you from? Fayetteville, Arkansas
How long have you lived here? All my life except a short time in Milan Italy.
What keeps you here? My Family and friends. I get to go anywhere in the world with my career, I choose NWA
Animals? Two sphinx cats (Ming & Tanzy ) , my palamino horse (Cheyenne )
Family? My Dad is from a large Italian family, my Mom a good ole gal from Madison County, so I have family everywhere.
Bettie Shotgun
Name: Bettie Shotgun.
Nickname: Bettie,Bettie Shotpun.
What’s the origin of your name? I love sewing pinup clothing and I’ve always been in love with Bettie Page!
Number:417
What does your number mean? It’s my area code from Joplin,Mo
Team: B-team!
What position do you play? Jammer,blocker and friend!
How long have you been skating? I’ve been skating for about 9 months now.
When did you join derby? July of 2011.
How did you get involved in derby? I was getting coffee one day and ran into Cosmic and she gave me a flyer for fresh meat.
Signature move: BEANDIP!
What role do you play behind the scenes? I bring the life to the party!
Pre-bout ritual: freak out,get dressed,listen to lady gaga and kick some butt!
Motivational quote:You’re the best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down.-Joe Esposito
Derby heroes: Bonnie Thunders,derby wife and my team.
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? It’s hard not to, derby skaters take hard hits and get back up on the rink and also in life.
What do you do outside of derby? When I’m not playing derby I’m making vintage clothing!
Favorite derby moment so far? The first time I ever scrimmaged I got lead jammer.
Favorite derby teams? Can I say my team?
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? None, I like keeping my arms and legs.
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Learn how to take a hit and not care about it and never stop skating!
Derby awards? Some day!
Where are you from? Joplin, MO
How long have you lived here? 4 years!
What keeps you here? My lovely life.
Animals? The best dog ever! Cupcakers!!!!
Family? No I was raised by birds.
Noah Tall
Name: Noah Tall
Nickname: Noah
What’s the origin of your name? I’m a big Know-it-all
Number: 1134
What does your number mean? When I fall on my head it spells out h-e-double hockey sticks
Team: Team Zebra!
What position do you play? Head Ref
How long have you been skating? 6 years
When did you join derby? 6 years ago
How did you get involved in derby? I heard about a meet and greet picnic they were having on NPR and I stopped by. I’m pretty anti-social, so that was a big deal. I came and watched the next practice, and attended the one after that!
Signature move: Tripping over the rope boundary
What role do you play behind the scenes? Resident Rules Guru and WFTDA Referee Rep
Pre-bout ritual: Put on uniform, buy zebra cakes
Motivational quote: “Don’t dream it, be it”
Derby heroes: Judge Knot, Major Wood, Tootie TinWhistle, Corbin Cajones
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? Rules knowledge and stick-to-it-iveness
What do you do outside of derby? I have a great family and I work for the post office
Favorite derby moment so far? Every time I finish a bout intact!
Favorite derby teams? I love all the teams equally and without bias
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? 6.13.19 Wherein a jammer receives a major penalty when the ref mucks it up.
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Don’t judge yourself based on other’s progress, see how far you’ve come from where you started
Derby awards? I have my own fan club, The Noah Tall Jam Timer Appreciation Squad
Where are you from? Here
How long have you lived here? Forever
What keeps you here? Work and family. I love to travel
Animals? 2 dogs, 2 cats
Family? Two kids, Nick and Raven, and my husband Dustin, who lovingly tolerates my addiction
Thunder Thighs
Name: Thunder Thighs
Nickname: Thunder
What’s the origin of your name? I was nicknamed this one summer to make fun of how much I eat and how skinny I am. I decided to take it as my derby name cause my thighs would cramp up so much during fresh meat and it was so confusing! So I tried to give them a boost of confidence by naming myself after them.
Number: 96
What does your number mean?
I like that I can spin it in a circle and it remains the same number. You can do the same thing with 69, but obviously that’s a little different…
Team: B TEAM!
What position do you play? Jammer, Blocker
How long have you been skating? Since I joined derby.
When did you join derby? I passed my MST around February 2011 I think… I’m not good with dates.
How did you get involved in derby? Found out there was a league, figured I like awesome things, and started going to fresh meat
Signature move: I like plow-stopping.
What role do you play behind the scenes? Not sure yet, but I think I am on the sponsorship committee.
Pre-bout ritual: Don’t have one yet. But I think it will involve smoothies. I love me some smoothies.
Motivational quote: Life begins outside of your comfort zone.
Derby heroes: Other than all the inspirational women on our league…? Well, I haven’t decided yet.
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater? A great attitude! That means supportive, hard-working, and fun to skate with. I love advice and being taught how to be better and when that is coupled with a smile and encouragement, nothing makes me have more respect for someone.
What do you do outside of derby? I am a full-time drama major at the U of A. And by that I mean, I’m majoring in not having a life or money. I also work as a receptionist at Arkansas Physical Health and Rehab and a grunt at the costume shop at the University Theater I also love cooking for people and try to at every opportunity. Love me some garage sales too.
Favorite derby moment so far? I felt so good at my first bout, the mash up one for Joplin. And now I am trying to work back up to feeling like I am as with it as I was during that game.
Favorite derby teams? I need to watch more games!!!
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be? Nothing to the head, but I think low elbows would be fun.
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players? Don’t be intimidated by the derby girls! I started off the league pretty intimidated and confused, but, now that I have gotten over it, derby has become that much more fun.
Derby awards? Heartbreak Rollers- Fresh Meat No More
Where are you from? Rogers, AR
How long have you lived here? Born and raised two towns away
What keeps you here? School, When school and money permits I will have to leave to become just another starving artist, but till then I’m all about Faytown!
Animals? Can’t stand owning them, but love everyone else’s!
Family? A WONDERFUL family who comes to support me in matching awesome shirts. Dad, Mom, Sister, Sister. They’re crazy, don’t even get me started.
99 Problem$
Name: 99 Problem$
Nickname: 99
What’s the origin of your name? It’s the title of a song by Jay-Z. There’s a nice little play on words involved because of the fact that derby is primarily played by women 
Basically, it means ‘of all the things I have going on in my life, I’m not put out by whatever drama you are trying to cause’
Number: 215
What does your number mean?
It is the weight I started out at when I first came on the league. It signifies that Derby is for all body types, that we can find beauty, strength and value in ourselves whether we are 98 lbs. or 250 lbs.
Team: Backwoods Betties, Hardwood Hustlas, NWA AllStars
What position do you play? Blocker, Pivot
How long have you been skating? The first time I remember skating, our preschool took us to Roller City on a field trip. (1985 or ’86) I remember getting freaked out when Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ was played. We would hide behind the benches until the song was over. From then on, I was that kid who wanted every to spend every birthday party and every weekend at the skating rink. (Even now, I try to persuade my kids to have parties there too.)
When did you join derby? May 2010
How did you get involved in derby? I Googled “Roller Derby” a few years ago it and found NWARD. I remember there were stats and pictures of theteam members and thinking, “That girl is tiny. I could accidentally hurt her.” It turns out, weight and height mean NOTHING when it comes to derby, and those 110 pounders could pick me up off my feet if they hit me right. I promised myself that I would start going to fresh meat as soon as my twins were old enough to walk. It was time to find a hobby I enjoyed.
Signature move: Rusty Guillotine and I have this SWEET sandwich crush move. Usually it’s an accident that we both moved in on the same girl at the same time, but you really don’t wanna get caught in the middle of it.
What roll do you play behind the scenes? Former Recruitment Head and loudmouth on the sidelines.
Pre-bout ritual: I make sure to eat light throughout the day, lots of water, and nothing to eat about 2 hours before the bout, except for a banana to get rid of the jitters.
Motivational quote: “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe”- Oprah
Oh and… “I ain’t never scared”- Bonecrusher
Derby heroes: Miley Virus, Adderoller, JoAnnimal, Eclipse, La Bomba, Rusty Guillotine, Snicka, Sugar Whips, Wop, Cosmic etc. I find new ones EVERY DAY!!!
What makes you have instant respect for a derby skater?
Skate fast, hit hard, fall small, get up quick! Oh, and a good attitude helps too.
What do you do outside of derby? I am a mom of 4. I have a 9 year old girl, a 4 year old girl and a set of boy/girl twins who are almost 3. I’m a Nurse at a preschool/therapy clinic for kids with developmental delays and developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome, Autism, etc. I’m the only Nurse in the state of Ar. who has a certification in developmental disabilities and I hold the record for the highest test scores (99%) in the nation. I’ve been married almost 12 years and have worked for the same company and with the same population for almost 12 years. I LOVE my life at home and work, and derby adds the perfect balance.
Favorite derby moment so far?
I got MVP with the Hustlas last year!!! Also, my first bout EVER was against Kansas City. Huge venue, huge team, and I did not die. Big accomplishment.
Favorite derby teams? KCRW, Magic City, Green Country and No Coast.
If you could remove one penalty from the game what would it be?
I think they are all warranted.
What advice would you like to give up and coming derby players?
You become what you believe. Skate as much as you can. Being comfortable is half the battle, Get outside your comfort zone. When learning a new drill or skill if you don’t fall a few times, you aren’t getting outside of your comfort zone. Mistakes are the best lessons learned.
Derby awards? Hardwood Hustlas MVP vs Gatlin Girls, Rolling Stone Award 2011
Where are you from? Fayetteville born and NWA raised
How long have you lived here? 21 years and holding
What keeps you here? My family, my job, the derb.
Animals?
Adopted American Boxer- 10 year old ‘Nutter Butter’, a Jack Russell Terrier that my kids named Bentley Xavier. He was a 4th of July baby.
Family? Hubby and 4 kiddos, my derby wife Rusty Guillotine, extended family all over NWA and in San Francisco. Oh, and my Derby Family all over the world!!
Panti Venom
Name: Panti Venom
Nickname: Panties or Venom depending on who you talk to…
Origin of Name: I am a herpetologist who studies the molecular ecology of snakes (mostly Vipers). I wanted to have a name that played the with word “anti-venom”, the medicine that one requires if they are bitten by a venomous snake. I put on a helmet panty in my old league during a scrimmage and it hit me!. Panti Venom was born…
Number: 1 (cent). Why? What is a penny but a copper-colored coin with a head on it. This simplifies to copperhead! The species that I am studying for my master’s degree!
Team: NWA B-Team
Position: I prefer to block.
Time Skating: Since January 5, 2010. Yes, I know my derby-versary.
Joined Derby: My very first time on roller skates was at my first roller derby practice on January 5, 2010.
How did I get involved: I was sitting at a karaoke bar with my friend during senior year of college and I had just told her how I wished that I had some way to relieve stress. Then, like a derby gift sent from heaven, a woman in full uniform walked in and sat down next to me. I asked her if she played roller derby and she said “Yeah….you wanna play?” And thus began my derby career.
Signature Move: I’m not giving away my secrets…..
Role Behind the Scenes: Events Committee and occasional jam timing.
Pre-Bout Ritual: Making sure my favorite booty shorts are clean…
Motivational Quote: Don’t sweat the petty stuff….and definitely don’t pet the sweaty stuff.
Derby Heroes: My first derby teacher, Urrkn’ Jerkin’ as Booty Blockya.
Instant Respect for a Derby Skater: Humility.
Outside of Derby: Full time graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Arkansas.
Favorite Derby Moment: Half-time couples skating with Venus DeMonic.
Favorite Derby Team: Rocky Mountain Roller Girls.
Penalty to Remove: Being penalized for tripping if you fall and someone falls over you.
Advice: If you have ever in your life even thought about trying roller derby, do it.
Derby Awards: N/A
Where are you from: Pittsburgh, PA
Lived here since: August 2010.
What keeps you here: My graduate program and the awesomeness that is Northwest Arkansas.
Animals: A super fat cat named Fuzzy and a tortoise named Geoffrey.
Family: Amazing parents and an awesome younger sister
