By Cathy Miller

No baseball, football, tennis, or golf! For those keeping score, add one more sport to that list – roller derby.

A few weeks prior to their season opener on April 25, New Jersey Roller Derby (NJRD), based in Morristown, issued the following statement: “Our 2020 season has been postponed indefinitely. We are actively monitoring the situation and look forward to a strong return when public health officials have determined it’s safe.”

The group continued on, saying they will ensure a gradual, safe return to play by following local regulations and recommendations and those of a COVID-19 task force from the WFTDA, an international governing body of women’s flat track roller derby representing over 450 member leagues on six continents.

Comprised of skaters from throughout New Jersey, NJRD is handling the downtime as best they can. Here’s what Port Murray resident Jeanette Torretta, aka Ginger Spice & Nothing Nice (#21), had to say during an email interview. All photos are from September and October 2019.

Jeanette’s mother introduced her to the sport at 16, after which she joined the 4-H junior roller derby team, Barnyard Bruisers. Jeanette said, “My mom used to play for Skylands Roller Girls where I met many people who became my teammates later in life. Back then, I never imagined myself being half as good as the people I saw skating on that team. I was in awe of all the unique personalities and how friendly and fun everyone was. Being able to call the skaters I met when I was 16 my teammates now is truly an honor.”

Jeanette fondly recalled her entry into roller derby. The Barnyard Bruisers was a brand new team with only a few skaters. Two “amazing” coaches with plenty of derby experience, Chrome Menace and Steampunk, taught the Bruisers the fundamentals of skating and gameplay. She said, “Even though Steam is my mom, I consider Chrome to be my derby mama who was truly there for me every step of the way.”

In 2014, Jeanette joined her coaches’ team, Two Rivers Roller Derby (2RRD), the day after her 18th birthday. Since she’d already learned the basics with the Barnyard Bruisers, it didn’t take long for her to ace the derby assessments, which measure readiness for sanctioned games. She admitted, “At the time I didn’t know much about gameplay or rules, but I had the biggest obstacle down pat – being comfortable on my skates.”

She then joined NJRD in 2018. “Although I’d established many great relationships with 2RRD, I was ready for a new challenge.” Jeanette explained, “A few of my dearest friends/old teammates had transferred to NJRD. One transferee told me how hard everyone worked and how friendly everyone was. I finally made the decision to switch teams. I instantly fell in love with NJRD – a mix of old friends, new friends, and people whom I’d idolized when I was 16 (I’m looking at you Miss USAhole!).” Jeanette mused, “I’ll always have a special place in my heart for 2RRD – they were my first derby team – but NJRD is the right team for me now where I am in life.”

Having now played several NJRD games, she shared her experience of being on the track. Her favorite position is jammer, which is the player who scores points by lapping the other team. Also on the track during the scrimmages (called “jams”) are four blockers, who – you guessed it – are trying to block the jammer’s way.

“Derby is a mental, as well as a physical game, so it’s nice to take a break from one position to play another to sort of reset myself.”

When asked what goes through her mind as a jam begins, Jeanette detailed, “When I set up behind the jammer line I’m mentally panicking a little – there’s a lot riding on how well I perform within the jam – I never want to let my team down by making a silly mistake that could result in a penalty. When the whistle blows, that all goes away. The only thing on my mind is how I can break through this wall and as far away from the pack as fast as I can…’Ok that didn’t work, let’s go over here…that didn’t work, what if I fake them out…I found the weakest link, let’s push on that…wow, these people are strong.’ After I break out of the pack I feel amazing! Whether I’m lead jammer or not, it’s still an incredible feeling. When I come around to the back of the pack, I look at the wall [of skaters] ahead and think to myself ‘all these people are going to try to stop me, no matter what, just keep moving.’ It’s a little nerve-wracking to know you’re the target and the other team will do their absolute best to try to stop you. I always remind myself to keep moving forward no matter how tired or beat up I am.”

But while it’s an aggressive sport, it’s also one full of camaraderie.

“The great thing about the roller derby community is how supportive everyone is!” To those contemplating a dive into derby, Jeanette spoke reassuringly, “Even if you never wore roller skates before, someone will be with you at every practice, coaching you one glide at a time. We even teach you how to fall properly! The goal is to play the safest way we can without hurting one another or ourselves. Sure, at some point in your derby career, you will get hit hard, but we learn how to pick ourselves up, dust off, and get right back in the game. It’s really empowering when you start to realize how strong you truly are.”

Jeanette stays derby-fit while staying home by trying to do some sort of physical activity daily, noting it’s much easier said than done nowadays. She advised, “It’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing this for you and not because you have to. When it becomes a chore, you’ll never find the motivation. Sometimes I do something as simple as taking my dog for a walk and having a long stretch/little yoga session after.”

She added, “Unfortunately I don’t have much room [at home] to lace up my skates but I try to do exercises that will increase my balance as well as my endurance so that when I can finally hit the track again, I’ll be even stronger than before.”

“Social distancing is extremely important right now. Since roller derby is a full contact sport, I don’t mind that it has to be put on pause, but my heart definitely misses everyone and skating.” Speaking philosophically, Jeanette said, “The longer the sabbatical, the more special it will be when I finally get to skate with my favorite people again.”

In closing, what about entertainment and sanity during this time off skates? “A lot of DIYs and crafts are keeping me sane. Also, having ZOOM happy hours with my friends!” Jeanette revealed, “I try to do things that make me happy and think of this as an extended staycation.”

Look for New Jersey Roller Derby on Facebook and Instagram, and at njderby.com.

If you would like to nominate someone for person of the week, please reach out to Cathy Miller at info@insidewarren.com