Like another Cincinnati sports star whose name rhymes with “boo,” when Tru D. Vicious (#19) steps up to the plate (or in her case, the jammer line), it sounds like the whole city is against her.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The bellowing cries of “Truuuu” from both the fans and her fellow teammates speak to the dedication she exudes and the respect they have for her.
In real life, Tru is LaJuanne McAfee, a lifelong athlete. “I’ve played everything from basketball to football, and I really enjoy running. But what keeps me coming back is my love for team sports,” Tru said. “I could easily run alone, but I love being around the other women, and the camaraderie that comes with it.”
After joining the Cincinnati Rollergirls as a rookie in 2013, she quickly set herself apart as a dependable and levelheaded teammate. At the 2013 Wheelie Awards, Tru scooped up Flock Ewes MVP, Best Jammer for the Flock Ewes and Most Improved.
“My biggest improvement has to be my stability on skates,” Tru said. “This year, I’m able to get bumped around in a pack and stay upright.” She also mentioned her pack awareness has greatly evolved and that she’s now much better at “knowing where to be.”
“Tru has natural talent – balance, speed and athleticism – but what really sets her apart, and has allowed her to progress so quickly, is her determination and attitude,” said coach Quad Almighty. “She’s super coachable, willing to work hard and always looking for ways to improve. She has this calm, positivity about her.”
On the Violent Lambs’ jammer rotation this season, Tru has become known for her footwork, and for taking flight when she jumps the apex.
“She took a lot of risks to get where she is now,” said coach He-Bruise. “She is never afraid to push herself and get uncomfortable if it will take her to the next level. It is something you look for when you coach a player.”
As she looks to future seasons, her goals are indicative of her passion for her team. “I want to be a better all-around player,” she said. “I love jamming, but I want to be able to do whatever the team needs. I’d also like to move up to the A-team (Black Sheep) and focus on getting less penalties.”
When asked about her role and the direction of CRG this year, Tru responded: “At first it was frustrating because you want to win a championship, but it taught me patience. Change can be scary, but I’m buying into what’s being put in place. I have a feeling that people will be looking at us and not expecting much, but we’ll surprise them.”
-Karli Wood