I have a stage styled life when I put on my makeup and my uniform for our big public bouts. But part of being who I am is joking with myself and realizing that the “I’m kinda a big deal” (haha) is only in a very niche world. Outside of roller derby no one gives a shit about Suzy Hotrod as she rides the bus, clips coupons, and has jury duty. There are no paparazzi outside my house. At roller derby events now it is hard to avoid being approached by people wanting autographs and photos taken with me but “roller derby world” is a small part of “The World.”

In the grand scheme of the thing, I am insignificant and that’s great. I sign no autographs on Monday morning except my work expense reports, so no, I don’t get tired of signing autographs because I do it like 1% of the year. I feel flattered but undeserving to be called a hero because to me, we’re on the same page. We’re no different—us skaters, we all pay dues, we all go to practice, we all have dirty gear, we’re all here playing the same game. Although I do guess it’s kinda cool if someone chooses a derby skater as a hero because it’s a wonderful accessible world. I’m a real person you can come right up and talk to.