Smash Adams (she/her)
How did you come up with your name and number?
My derby name has evolved over the years. With my first league, Biloxi Roller Derby, I was Chalkboard Princess in 2009, because I am a teacher. When I changed leagues to Mississippi Rollergirls in 2010, my derby name became Princess Smashley, and everyone called me “Smash”. In 2017, I came back to derby from having a baby and took on the name, Smash Adams, to reflect two of my favorite personas, “Smash” the derby player and “Adams” the school teacher.
As far as my jersey number, 3, it represents the Holy Trinity. My mother raised me in a Christian church, so I chose this number to represent my values, a reminder to show love to everyone, and to honor the way my mother raised me.
When did you start playing or getting involved in roller derby? How/why did you decide to start?
I started in June of 2009, and I have played in games every season since I started (except in 2021, the “Lost Season” due to Covid 19 shutting down the world). I initially started as a good way to exercise, because I’ve always loved skating. I soon became addicted to everything great about roller derby, the camaraderie, the competition, the challenges, the adrenaline, the traveling, the work-outs, the strategies and skills, the self-confidence, and the fun!
Do you have any short term or long term derby goals??
Some of my short-term goals include to have FUN as #1, to always try to improve myself as a competitor, and to be a good and effective teammate.
My long-term goals are pretty similar, but I would like to make sure I am keeping my body healthy enough to play derby as long as possible. Derby is something I am so passionate about, and I plan to always be involved with it in some capacity.
If you’re a ref, whats your favorite or least favorite penalty to call?
I do officiate games from time to time, and my favorite penalties to call are the less common penalties skaters aren’t always familiar with. Maybe it’s the teacher in me, because I love a good teachable moment.
What position on the track do you play/prefer? (Refs & NSOs included!)
I am typically a blocker. I will sometimes be the Pivot, which I do enjoy, and occasionally I’ll put on the Star to be a Jammer.
Favorite derby memory?
Winning MVP awards is always exhilarating. I have so many amazing memories of derby, I don’t know how I would choose one. “Holy Toledo!” Was a pretty good one… IYKYK
What does your life look like outside of roller derby?
I am a boy mom and spend a lot of time with my family. We love to go on trips and traveling. I am also a special education teacher and enjoy working with kids. You can also catch me working on home improvement projects and gardening. Occasionally, I may spend too much time on gaming. Nothing too specific.
Do you have any specific pre-bout rituals or prepping you do?
I like to make sure my day is planned out, and I try to plan to have a relaxing, slow-paced morning on game day whenever possible.
What is the one song you blast on game day to get you PUMPED?
High tempo, high energy music with a good beat to get hyped-up.
What do you like to do after a game?
Eat!!! Maybe pop into an after party from time to time.
What is some advice you’d give to someone who may be interested in joining roller derby?
It can seem intimidating, but the derby community is SO encouraging. It can be very challenging, but stick with it. YOU CAN DO IT!! There are so many positive things I have learned in my life from being involved with derby. Like anything, sometimes derby can have some tough days, but the benefits and experiences you will gain from derby are incredible and invaluable.
