Our Skater of the Week is Ursa Maimer #116. We absolutely adore sharing the track with Ursa, whose impact is undeniable whether they are jamming or blocking. They’re strong and strategic and have an infectious joy while they play. Plus, Ursa’s leadership, on and off the track, means they’re a mentor to so many of our skaters.
How long have you been playing Roller Derby?
“7 years.”
What do you do for your day job?
“I’m an audio engineer! I edit and mix a tech business podcast, and I co-host a sci-fi/philosophy podcast.”
What is your volunteer role within the team?
“Team Manager.”
What kind of skates do you roll on?
“Antik Jet Carbon.”
What’s your favorite position to play?
“I really can’t decide. I’ve spent lots of time jamming and blocking both, and I find myself missing one while doing the other.”
What is one of your derby strengths?
“I generally keep a pretty cool head on the track and I communicate very loudly.”
What made you want to play Roller Derby?
“I spent a bunch of time working out then realized I was bored of the gym and wouldn’t keep going. I needed to find a sport to play, and I needed a place where transgender people were welcome. A friend suggested I give roller derby a try.”
If you had to pick a “highlight” from your derby career so far, what would it be?
“Recently I got to play at a tournament called Y’allstars with a collective team I play for, Trans Rollers United. Its a team made up of trans/gender non conforming skaters from leagues all over. It’s a scary time to be trans right now, and as trans athletes we’re under attack in more ways than one. It meant so much to be there at this moment in time especially. And it meant a lot to look back at one of our Cincy team group chats to see my teammates cheering me on and loving me from afar <3”
What do you do for fun off the track?
“I’m very active in the Star Trek fandom, and I also love tinkering with LEDs and other hobby electronic type things. Anything I can do to make my house feel a little more like I’m living in Star Trek!”
What would you say to someone who has thought about playing roller derby?
“Roller derby is one of the best things in my life. I get to do incredible things with my body, I have a large community of people I love and respect, and the sport itself is so complex and beautiful it never gets old to me. If you’re even curious, I’d recommend giving it a shot. It may not be for you, which is totally cool and fine! But it might also change your life. It changed mine in incredible ways I couldn’t have imagined when I went to my first Monday Night over 7 years ago.”