Featured Skater of the Month, April 2017: Belligerent Bex
Derby name: Belligerent Bex, a nickname from high school that has stuck.
Derby number: 199 - it’s Tom Brady’s draft pick number. I’m also not a natural athlete and look ridiculous when I run, so I’ve always looked up to Tom Brady for going from a sixth-rounder to a five-time Super Bowl champ. The guy will never be an athlete, but with hard work and a ton of strategy knowledge he’s worked his way up among the greats. I’ve always felt like that’s an attainable goal for me.
How long have you been with LIRR?: This is my fourth season.
Which teams do you skate with?: I am the captain of the Rock-A-Betty Bruisers and the benchwarmer/rankings guru/stat rat of the All Stars.
How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I found LIRR after graduating from college and moving back to LI. I really didn’t have much else going on in my life at that point so I figured I’d give it a shot. I looked up roller derby on a whim and the Rebels just so happened to be having a boot camp that weekend. It totally changed my life.
What position(s) do you like to play?: I’m a track leader because I try to be knowledgeable and smart about strategy. Also my voice is suuuuuper loud.
What is your role within the league off the track?: This year I’m Vice President of the league and WFTDA representative. I also help out with some social media and game production stuff.
Favorite pre-bout meal?: Sometimes Ciguapa brings me an everything bagel with cream cheese and lox because I’m obviously a health nut.
Favorite post-bout drink?: One beer from the game keg while we close up for the night, one Jameson on the rocks when I finally make it to the afterparty.
Do you have a theme song?: I HAVE to listen to Lose Yourself by Eminem before every game. It started as a joke but now I can’t stop.
What is your proudest derby moment?: Probably being voted in as captain for the Bruisers this and last season. Every tiny improvement I’ve made since starting as the worst roller skater I’ve ever seen has been a total grueling battle for me, and to be at a level where people trust me to lead a team is amazing. Same goes for getting a charter spot with the A team...it’s cool to have my hard work recognized.
Favorite derby memory?: My first season on the Bruisers in 2014, we were in reaaaally rough shape but we had a bunch of really fun away games. We got creamed every single time but we had one game against Shoreline in New London, CT where we pulled it together and actually won! Then we absolutely annihilated the after party. Basically every travel game/tournament is my favorite because this team is the best at road trips and after parties. It always feels like a huge party when we travel.
Anything else you'd like to add?: I really hope people come out and support us this season! I’ve worked with both the All Stars and the Bruisers and they’ve all been working like crazy to put together amazing teams this season, so every game should be an exciting one. And if you have any interest in derby, come to a recruitment event this summer! It’s like having an instant family.












