Derby name:
Coach Quad Queen

Real Name:
Maria Hines

Number:
4x4

How did you come up with your name and number?

I ONLY skate on quad skates and coach both Derby and Figure Skating so...I am the queen of the quads in a world of inline hockey at our skating rink. No in lines for me! Number goes along with quads; I like my 4 wheels where they are.

What made you first start roller derby, or how did you discover roller derby?

The skating rink had an exhibition fund raiser a couple of years back hosting two teams. It was a great fund raiser and after that the guys with me on the board of directors kept telling me I should start a Roller Derby program here at the rink. I was also hearing from ladies in the community that they would like to try Derby. Finally gave in, did a couple months of research (thank you Sling from Sacred City!) and decided to give the program a try and see what came of it.

Why do you love roller derby so much?

I love watching the determination and progress of the women I coach! Looking back after a year it is a total thrill to me to see the progress of each and every girl. It's the women on the team that keeps me coming back week after week to coach them. You really gotta love them for giving this sport a shot, putting themselves out there for a sport that is unlike any other and coming back after the workouts I put them through plus the spills and bruises that they occasionally get.

How many hours per week do you practice?

Me?? I just roll around and watch the girls sweat and get to yell at them! They are getting way beyond me in stamina....guess I should probably start doing some of my own drills!

What is your favorite drill?

Don't have a favorite drill. As the girls improve I'm always researching to do harder and more complicated drills that will make them better!

What is the most challenging part of roller derby?

Telling the girls who made the roster and who didn't! Trying to stay on top of rules and just managing all the aspects of what is going on with the league. It's a full time job, on top of normal life and helping to run our non-profit rink.

What are your non-derby hobbies?

Not that I have much time for them BUT my family (not really a hobby is it!), teaching figure skating, competing on my horse, sewing & crafts, gardening, riding quads, reading

What’s your favorite piece of your roller derby wardrobe?

Right now....Sweatshirt, cause I'm always cold while the girls are sweating it out!

What is a common misconception about roller derby?

That the girls are all tough, mean and tatooed! These women are such a mix of single young ladies, moms, single moms and professionals. Derby women come from all walks of life and are such a diverse group of athletes (yes, ladies, you are athletes!). Some of my girls have tatoos and some might be a little tough, but at the end of practice they are all wonderful women coming together in their common interest of Roller Derby.

What’s your favorite roller derby web site?

Not really a website but the Roller Derby Coachs Yahoo Group....I couldn't do this job without it.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about joining roller derby?

If it is something you think you might be interested in, just give it a try. I mean really give it a try! Don't just come watch the girls and then think they are just too good. Many of them started last year by holding onto the walls. If you have enough gumption to get through the first couple of months you are on your way to becoming a High Country Mountain Derby Girl.

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