Meet Calypso!
Today we’re featuring Calypso, a blocker from the Honey Island Rollers, who’s been playing for just over a year.
Born and bred in Malta, Calypso had some experience with inline skating but quickly became obsessed with quad skates and the sport of roller derby. Before discovering derby, she was a solo gym goer, but she found that the team aspect of roller derby was what she was missing.
When she’s not playing roller derby, Calypso enjoys watching movies by Guillermo del Toro, and eating ramen. As an art teacher, Calypso brings her creative spirit to the track with her fancy bandanas, but she’s also learned a lot from playing roller derby. She’s discovered that she’s strong and fast, and that she can excel at a team sport. In addition, Calypso has learned the importance of warm-ups and stretching and celebrating small successes.
Despite only having joined relatively recently, she stepped in to join the training committee when she was needed – and she’s been bringing her love of Kate Bush and David Bowie to the track via portable speaker ever since.
What does she love the most about the Honey Island Rollers? That would be the people she’s met through the sport. She describes her teammates as beautiful, clever, and talented – it’s clear that roller derby has become a significant part of her life.
For anyone new to roller derby, Calypso offers some valuable advice. Warm up well, stretch a lot, and celebrate little successes. With her dedication and positive attitude, we can’t wait to see Calypso continue to thrive as a roller derby player with the Honey Island Rollers.
Has Calypso’s story inspired you? Get in touch with us if you’d like to join the Honey Island Rollers!