100% Pure Polly Fester, February’s MVP

Posted on April 15, 2009

By Holly Hitsville

In February, Polly Fester #100% was voted the MVP of the D-Funk Allstars vs. Devil’s Night Dames bout.  Polly Fester skates for her home team, D-Funk Allstars, as well as the Detroit Derby Girls (DDG) Travel Team.  I recently caught up with her to talk shop about breaking through the D-Funk’s losing streak, her refereeing brother, and the upcoming Travel Team Fundraiser.

Describe your skating and/or athletic background before roller derby.

I have tried nearly every single sport out there since I was 5 years old; youth soccer, then everything in middle school, and gymnastics during high school and college.  Then I played on OU’s ice hockey team (we were CCWHA Champions my Senior/Assistant Captain year!). I also studied some ballet in college and for a year apprenticed/performed with a drum and dance group in Ghana - talk about tiring and HOT.

How long have you been playing roller derby and when did you start skating for the DDG and DDG Travel Team?

I showed up at the beginning of February 2007.  My first bout experience came with the debut of the Mitten Kittens in Chicago during an exhibition challenge. Then I was drafted 1st pick to D-Funk and my first game with them was in December ‘07.  A week later I tried out and made the Travel Team.

What made you want to become involved in roller derby?

I was always secretly jealous of my dear friend, Sass Knuckles, but didn’t want to tread on her “thing” even though she wouldn’t have cared and encouraged me to join when I expressed interest. At the time, it sounded cheaper than ice hockey, but now I know, due to equipment and gas, it’s more expensive. OOPS!

You were voted MVP of the D-Funk Allstars vs. Devil’s Night Dames bout on February 14th where you did an outstanding job both jamming and blocking. Do you prefer playing one position to the other and if so why?

Hmmm. It really depends on the day as to whether I enjoy jamming or blocking more. I was only rostered to jam in that bout; I think I went out to block just once or twice. When it comes to picking a blocking position, I’d say I prefer playing back.

The D-Funk Allstars have had quite a successful 2009 season and secured a position in the May 30th Championship Bout. In previous years they have been known for their infamous losing streak; what do you think has specifically changed this season for the D-Funk Allstars?

Last year, half of us were rookies! So, I think experience is what’s helping us the most right now; knowing what to do and when to do it.

The DDG Travel Team has a 1-1 record so far with a win over Arch Rival Roller Girls and a tough loss to the Windy City Rollers. What was the hardest lesson you learned while engaging with the number 2 nationally-ranked team?

Even though you THINK you know how someone or a team plays, it is totally different and unexpected when you actually go up against them. They play a very different style of derby than we do, more swooping, etc. - even they were agreeing in the difference, saying that we play faster than they do.

You’re not the only one in your family involved with roller derby.  Can you tell us what your brother’s role is and how he got into it?

I dragged him into it! I convinced him he had time in his schedule. He’s a ref and was named “Bilbo T. Baggins” by the other refs and stat army. It’s really not weird that he’s my brother and a ref at the same time. I have no issue with it, and he is very, very careful to avoid any potential issues reffing any games I am in. On the track, he’s a ref and a volunteer, and a split-second decision-maker - that’s all (and I highly respect him for those duties, even when he sends me to the penalty box). Off the track, he’s my brother, my best friend, my support system, my role model, and I love him dearly.

There’s a fundraiser to support the DDG Travel Team this Sunday April 19. Can you give us the details?

YAY! Come roller skate with us! We’re having a skating party at our home training rink, Riverside, in Livonia from 6-8. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and kids 12 and under are free with an adult. There will be games, prizes, and a silent auction full of goodies made/donated by the derby girls themselves.

Photos by Colin Johnson.

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