About 4EYES Coaching
My Coaching Philosophy
My coaching philosophy is a layered approach that involves creating a safe learning environment through inclusivity, compassion, transparency, and honesty. I believe that safety is the first priority, because I have a responsibility to make sure that each skater can learn in a safe environment. This includes physical safety — every aspect should be physically safe for participants — and emotional safety, which means that skaters who are part of marginalized populations feel included and equal AND all skaters feel safe to fail their way to success. I also approach coaching with the idea that people learn best in an environment where they are both challenged and inspired. I do this by using positive reinforcement and realistic, constructive feedback and writing practices and curricula that are designed with specific goals and progress through skills starting with the most simple and leading up to more complex and challenging skills.
My Experience
I started roller derby in 2006 with Maine Roller Derby, where I skated competitively with the WFTDA-sanctioned all-star team The Port Authorities. During my time with MRD, I worked just about every position imaginable: bout production, marketing, interleague liaison, sponsorship, webmaster, WFTDA rep, all-star team captain, member of the BoD, and the training director, so I learned a lot about running a league and all the particular challenges of keeping a small league afloat. In 2012, I left MRD to focus on professional coaching and to write derby books, while recreationally playing derby. I returned to competitive skating in 2014 and skated with Resurgam Roller Derby from 2014-2016 and the Fog City Rollers' WFTDA all-star team from 2014-2015. In May of 2016, I had a knee replacement surgery and while recovering, I moved to Seattle and started skating with Rat City Roller Derby. I skate with Rat’s all-star program and a home team, the Throttle Rockets. I also skate for the all-gender recreational leagues, Grunge City Rollers and Queer Squad.
Long-Term In-Person League/Team Coaching
I create curricula and practice itineraries, coach practices, and mentor coaches. Coaching ranges from new skater development to coaching a wide variety of skill sets.
Rat City Roller Derby, Washington | Sept 2017-Present
Grunge City Rollers, Washington | Jan 2018-Dec 2018
Seattle Derby Brats, Washington | Dec 2017-Feb 2018
Resurgam Roller Derby, Maine | Sept 2014-July 2016
Casco Bay Roller Derby, Maine | Oct 2013-Jan 2014
Maine Roller Derby, Maine | 2008-2012 & All-Star Team 2014 Season
Central Maine Derby, Maine | Nov 2013-April 2014
Long-Term Online Mentor Coaching & Curricula Development
I work with the head coach to develop curricula for league training and manage training challenges. I create detailed weekly practice itineraries, analyze practice and game footage, and mentor coaches. Includes some in-person coaching.
Miami Roller Derby, Florida | March 2021-present
Mason Dixon Roller Derby, Maryland | March-Sept 2016
Chemical Valley Rollergirls, West Virginia | Feb-Aug 2016
Androscoggin Fallen Angels, Maine | May-Nov 2016
Capital City Rollers, Fredericton Canada | Jan-April 2012
Short-Term In-Person League Development Coaching
I work with the head coach to develop curricula for annual training structure. I analyze game footage, coach practices and clinics, and provide guidance for the coaching committee. This involves continued mentoring with the head coach after the in-person visit.
Electric City Roller Grrrlz, Montana | Sept 9-12, 2018
South Shore Roller Derby, Indiana | Aug 5-11, 2016
Coastal Assassins Roller Derby, Queensland, Australia | March 8-15, 2015 & July 28-Aug 11, 2013
Tokyo Roller Girls, Tokyo | May 27-June 5, 2013
Individual Clinics/Practices
I create clinics and practices that are specifically designed for the hiring league based on extensive discussions with the head coach and analysis of game footage. I travel to the home league, coach skaters (officials are encouraged to be present), and provide detailed itineraries/curricula for the hiring leagues.
Puget Sound Outcast Derby, Washington League | July 27, 2018
Androscoggin Fallen Angels, Maine | June 23, 2018
Chemical Valley Rollergirls & Chemical Valley Junior Derby, West Virginia | July 15-16, 2017
Dirtroad Derby Dames, Nebraska | April 28-30, 2017
Resurgam Roller Derby & Androscoggin Fallen Angels, Maine | Jan 14, 2017
J-Town Roller Girls, Pennsylvania | Dec 29, 2014 & June 25, 2014
Northern Allegheny Roller Derby, Pennsylvania | Dec 28, 2014 & Jan 4, 2014
Upper Valley Vixens, New Hampshire | Aug 10, 2014
Central Maine Derby, Maine | Oct 26, 2014
Morgantown Roller Vixens, West Virginia | July 26, 2014, Jan 2, 2014, Dec 21, 2013
State College Area Rollers, Pennsylvania | July 21, 2014 & Jan 2, 2013
Capital City Rollers, Fredericton Canada | July 2-3, 2014 & Feb 15, 2014
Strong Island Derby Revolution, New York | June 23, 2014
Westmoreland County Roller Derby, Pennsylvania | Dec 22, 2013
Bangor Roller Derby, Maine | Oct 12, 2013
Gallatin Roller Derby, Montana | Sept 21-22, 2013
Muddy River Rollers, Moncton Canada | April 14, 2013 & Feb 17, 2013
South Bend Roller Derby, Indiana | Sept 2-3, 2012
Derby Conventions
Coaching involves on-skates training and lectures for up to 75 participants at varied skill levels and knowledge bases.
Northeast Derby Convention | July 1–3, 2016
Mass Maelstrom Clinic | Sept 19, 2015
Fog Festival Frenzy | Sept 5-6, 2015
Northeast Derby Convention | May 2015
Northeast Derby Convention | May 23-25, 2014
Get Skool'd! Derby Camp | March 8, 2014
Sk8 Heaven (UK) | Oct 23-29, 2013
Northeast Derby Convention | May 2013
Blood & Thunder Camp (Texas) | July 2012
Northeast Derby Convention | May 25-27, 2012