For February, we'd like to recognize a volunteer who is our silent guardian and watchful protector (of stats). BAD's very own Kate Crüsader. She is a precious gem of a volunteer who dedicates time throughout the week and during bouts as one of a like-minded team of hero-officials who refer to themselves as the ‘N-S-Os’. We suspect this may stand for ‘Network of Supreme Omniscients’ but the rest of the world interprets them as “Non-Skating Officials.” Her weapons of choice during a roller derby scrimmage or game are a pencil and clipboard’; she thrives as a pro interlocutor between what happens on the track and the stats that keep BAD on the map. Off the track she can be commonly found pumping iron and hanging out with her kitten. You know, standard superhero stuff.
Photo credit: Donalee Eiri of Photography by D.E.sign
Name: Kate Crüsader
If you have a derby name, what is it? What’s the story behind it?:
My derby name is Kate Crüsader. My name was given to me by a friend one night while watching the Dark Knight. I have always wanted to be a superhero and my nephews think my name is pretty cool.
How long have you been with BAD? What brought you to BAD?:
This is my 4th season with BAD. My friend Edith Shred (retired ShEvil skater) convinced me to check out Reckless Rollers. She went to my first practice with me. I found my derby tribe when Dream Queen (the Head Non-Skating Official at the time and a fellow Reckless skater) convinced me to give NSOing a try.
When you’re not supporting our league – what else do you enjoy doing?:
I love to sew, collect creepy art and skulls, skate outdoors, watch horror movies, lift weights (who knew?) and hang out with my family, friends and kitten.
What do you love about roller derby?:
I love the amazing people that have come into my life because of derby. There are people who I would have probably never met if it hadn’t been for derby, including my beautiful partner and one of my very best friends.
The game itself continues to inspire me. I may not be a skater but I am inspired every time I see what my league mates accomplish on the track, off the track, behind the scenes.
You have never met a more dedicated group of people than derby lovers.
Share your favorite derby memory/moment of 2016 (so far).:
Walking into Craneway Pavilion on Feb 27th to kick off the 2016 BAD Season for a full day of officiating derby. The calm before the storm, the beauty of the location and the anticipation of the games in front of you. There is nothing quite like it.
Share one of your favorite motivational quotes with us.:
Fate whispers to the warrior
You cannot withstand this storm
And the warrior whispers back
I am the storm
– Author Unknown