Ranger stepped into a critical role his first season with BAD, joining the coaching staff of the Golden Girls All-Star team. As a student of the sport, Ranger relishes the depth of strategy that roller derby provides, and brings that attitude to practice where his intensity is infectious. And when it comes to the big game, Ranger’s rock solid support on the bench helped laid the groundwork for his players to execute on the track. We recognize Ranger as Volunteer of the Month for November 2015.
Photo credit: IGP Photo
Name: Pink Ranger
If you have a derby name, what is it & what’s the story behind it?
My full derby name is Pink Ranger, which has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I served four tours overseas as an Army Ranger, which explains the Ranger part. The pink comes from the flamboyant outfits I would wear to Silicon Valley Roller Girls practices. And the coach at the time, Pandamonium, named me Pink Ranger
How long have you been with B.A.D.? What brought you to B.A.D.?
I just finished my first humbling, educational and amazing season with Bay Area Derby. I was introduced to derby about four years ago and began stalking B.A.D. immediately, I gained a lot of respect for B.A.D. as a league and once I was done with Silicon Valley Roller Girls it only made sense to inquire about coaching with all of these amazing people.
When you’re not supporting our league – what else do you enjoy doing?
I LOVE playing with my cats and hanging with my wonderful girlfriend Apryl-Joy Pascua. Complaining about technology and its effect on society, especially our youth, grabbing hold of every conspiracy there is and being a general curmudgeon.
What do you love about roller derby?
The game itself is incredibly organic, the situation on the track near fluid and the challenge the environment provides a coach is quite motivating. I know as a male amateur contact athlete my opportunities to compete after high school became seriously limited; contact sports for women are much more scarce. I respect the opportunity derby provides for the female warriors of our current society.
Share your favorite derby memory/moment from 2015.
My most memorable experience was beating Denver at Champs, quite gratifying beating a team who we had lost to previously. My favorite moments have been the feeling following a good practice, and experiencing the depths to which skaters are willing to push themselves. Practice is where the magic happens.
Share one of your favorite motivational quotes with us.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we (tirelessly) chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi