MissFit’s that are M.A.D. (Making A Difference)
Susan Upadhyay, 43 years old, York, PA
Sport: Roller Derby
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| Photo courtesy Juan P. Paden |
Susan Upadhyay is a nurse by day, and a bad ass by night. The mild mannered mother of two recently
became a member of the Cherries which is part of the Black Rose Rollers club. For those of you who don’t know, the sport of
Roller Derby is no joke. The sport calls
for stamina, coordination, power, and speed.
Roller derby is strategic like chess but implements the violence similar
to football. The game is hard- nosed and
gritty, which is why it’s so fun to watch.
To make the team, Susan had to take part in the “fresh meat”
try-out process which is extremely difficult and is highly competitive. She was ecstatic to find out that she made
the team. She started as a blocker, but
now primarily plays the position of Jammer.
Outside of childbirth and her successful nursing career, Susan takes
great pride in making the Cherries and calls it one of her great
accomplishments.
I sat down with Susan to learn about the sport of Roller
Derby, ask her some questions about her love of the sport, and find out just
what makes her a MissFit.
What is your athletic
background?
Susan: My athletic
background is non-existent. I was not
allowed to participate in sports as a child, but I went roller skating a
lot. My Mom had me on skates by the time
I could walk. I wish I could have played
sports, but it didn’t work out that way.
How did you find the
sport of Roller Derby?
Susan: A good friend
of mine encouraged me to give it a try.
She knew that I love to skate and thought I could make the team. I was a bit discouraged at first because I
couldn’t imagine playing roller derby, but I finally decided to give it a
whirl. Turns out I love it! I remember watching roller derbies on T.V. in
the ‘70’s, and I would have never thought I would be part of such a fun and
exciting sport.
Why did you choose
Roller Derby and not something more conventional, like running marathons or
triathlons?
Susan: It’s
simple. I don’t like running. If I can put wheels on something and skate I
will do it. That is why roller derby is
perfect for me. I wish I would have found
it sooner. There’s nothing like it. I am always learning something and it makes
me feel good about myself.
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| Photo courtesy of Juan P. Paden |
What do you do to train?
Susan: During the
season, there is practice throughout the week.
I also join my teammates, as much as I can, for CrossFit training at CrossFit Hanover. The sport is physically demanding so we take
our strength and conditioning seriously.
What is your
motivation?
Susan: For one, it is
a huge therapeutic stress relief. For
some reason, the physical aspect allows me to unwind. I love it.
I have felt my self-esteem rise and in turn I see myself getting
better. It’s like a cycle and it is very
motivating.
What advice can you
give to women out there that are hesitant to try something new or
unconventional?
Susan: It is never
too late to pursue a dream or a passion.
Pick something you want to try and try it! Mindset is important as well. It all starts with the thought of doing
something. If you really want it, trust
me, you will make it happen. Anything is
possible. You just have to try.
Why are you MissFit?
Susan: I like to test
my limits, both mentally and physically.
I have always been very active, and roller derby allows me to express
that side of myself. I have always been
driven to be the best that I can be, and roller derby is a perfect challenge
for me. Also, I am a misfit in the true
definition of the word. In the world of
Roller Derby, because I am the oldest
woman on the team, and I am normally quiet. Being the oldest woman on
the team actually was the most intimidating thing when I first started. Now, I kind of like the fact that no one would
guess that I participate in such a physical sport. I think people underestimate me, but I’m
tough.
Susan never knew what she was capable of doing until she
gave it a try. By trying something new,
she has reignited her life with energy and passion. Susan takes great pride in being a part of
the Cherries, and is determined to participate in roller derby for as long as
she can.
Thank you, Susan for being such a great inspiration. You challenged yourself to try something new,
and in the process found something that you love and cherish. You are truly a MissFit.
If you would like to learn more about the sport of Roller
Derby you can visit: www.wftda.com
If you live in or around central Pennsylvania and would like to find out more about the Black Rose Rollers you can visit www.blackroserollers.com.
If you live in or around central Pennsylvania and would like to find out more about the Black Rose Rollers you can visit www.blackroserollers.com.
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| Photo courtesy of Juan P. Paden |
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