Get to Know: Cujoh

Photo courtesy of Chuck Fong Studio2
Since we're in a college town, the end of the academic year brings losses as skaters graduate and move on. One such skater is the dear, departed Cujoh. Below is a little about her experience with SCAR, which she will be applying to a new team in Boston.

Off the track, what kind of work do you do? Do you have any other hobbies besides roller derby?


Outside of derby, I am pretty busy with school work. I am at Penn State getting a BA in Film, a BS in Special Education, a M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, certification as a Reading Specialist, a minor in Deafness and Hearing Studies, and a minor in Human Development and Family studies. Currently, I am a student teacher and have two part time jobs; one on campus and one at a security company. I like theatre, film making, and DIY/crafty projects.

What drew you to roller derby?

I just wanted to try something new. I saw an ad on Craigslist and showed up, learned to skate, and loved it. It was a great way to get exercise, plus, its always fun to get to hit people.


What achievements are you most proud of?

Learning to play and skate. I came into this sport having never skated before. The first time I put skates on was at open recruitment for SCAR a year and a half ago. I could barely move off of the wall and within five months I skated in my first bout. While I still have a lot to learn, I am very proud of the progress I have made within such a short time.


What is your athletic background?

I would make the team but was always the fat kid that slowed down the "fun run" pace. I played a bunch of sports all throughout childhood, including soccer and lacrosse for about 10 years each.


What would you tell a person who is thinking about coming to a SCAR Bout/trying out to ref or skate for SCAR/volunteering with SCAR?

Do it. Just try it. Its not for everyone, but it is definitely a new endeavor that you should experience if you can. Nothing I have done before has been similar to Roller Derby and you can't really get the full idea of what it is like without doing it (even if you watched Whip It).