Guillotina
Call me: Gilly
What year did you start playing roller derby?: 2016
What year did you join MARD?: 2016
Why did you get involved in roller derby?: I’m 2011 I went to see N Raging Grace play for NHRD and I fell in love with roller derby! The uniqueness, the contact, the excitement, how could you not want to play! I though about it every day until “Gracie” invited me to a recruit night with MARD. I said it’s now or never. Its the best thing I’ve ever done.
What skates do you use?: Reidell Blue Streaks with Arius Plates
How has roller derby changed your life?: I spent 10 years of my life on bed rest, not living my life because of a serious back injury. From 14-24 I just existed and could never find anything that made me love myself. The injuries escalated and I had no choice other than
spine surgery. January 2016 I had surgery, November 2016 I joined MARD. Roller derby found the part of me I lost in 2006. I regained my strength, both physically and mentally, and found myself doing more, trying more and achieving more than I ever have. And that strength and confidence took me way past the sport. I’m confidently and freely living my best life in every way because of this sport and the women who help me find myself more and more every single time we’re on that track.
Why did you choose your derby name?: I’m very involved in the local MMA community. Have you ever seen a power guillotine choke in MMA? Badass!!
Day job?: Wedding Photographer
What is your favorite part of roller derby?: The empowerment. Both self empowerment and by the AMAZING women in our league.
Do you have any bout day routines or superstitions?: Yes! I sleep in, make a pot of coffee and breakfast. Watch an Iliza Shlesinger comedy on Nexflix. Then I shower, play Parkway Drive on Spotify, do my hair in pigtail buns, hair and makeup. I then pack and un-pack my gear bag until it’s time to go!
Final thoughts?: GillyGilly!!!!!