By day, Tina Davis is a mom and works at Northwestern Mutual in Training and Development. By night (and many other times of the day) she turns into Terror Misu, one of the top players in the Twin City Derby Girls roller derby league. She is a member of The Twin City Travelers, who take on the St. Chux Derby Chix of St. Charles, Mo. on Saturday, July 23 at the UI Ice Arena (NOTE location change to the MAC Gym, located inside Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE), 1102 W. Gregory, Urbana.) Davis lives in Champaign with her boyfriend and three kids — her daughter, Amina (9), his daughter, Tyranny (14) and his son Ayden (6), and their dog, Molly.
See why we think Tina Davis is a Chambana Mom to Know.
Q: I hear that you are quite a roller derby aficionado and wanted a league here before one was ever established. How did you first getinterested in Derby and why do you think you are so passionate about it?
I did attempt to skate roller derby a few years before TCDG was born in Champaign. I had first read about derby and had an instant attraction to the sport. I had emailed some out-of-state leagues – I think it was a league in Texas and Arizona (ironically, some of the original birthplaces of the second wave of derby) – to see if I could sit in on a practice or two. I just knew I had to try it, no matter how far away the opportunity. My boyfriend and I had talked about planning a vacation around whatever practice dates they provided. Unfortunately, one league didn’t respond and the other only allowed new skaters during try-outs, which is pretty common for established leagues. When I discovered a league in Chicago, we actually talked about whether I could make the commute for something like this. My boyfriend is really that supportive. Of course, that’s when I thought it was going to be a two-night-a-week activity — I was so naïve. J
Q: How would you describe the response to roller derby in Champaign-Urbana?
I think C-U has been really open-minded about derby. The response has been wonderful! I think a lot of people expected the banked-track kitsch of the 1970’s, though, and what they are learning is that derby is a real, full-contact sport. It takes training, discipline and strategy. I also think the more competitive our team gets, the more we elevate our game, the more fans we will continue to draw.
Q: What do your children think about having a mom who is so involved in derby?
The kids are so supportive of derby. They’re at almost every bout, and sometimes come by practice. My boyfriend is head of security at the bouts, Amina goes to some of my committee meetings with me, and Tyranny wants to try derby herself! Everyone in the family owns a pair of roller skates and we often go outdoor skating together. Honestly, derby is practically a lifestyle for my family and I couldn’t do it any other way. If my boyfriend weren’t so supportive, it would be a totally different situation. The way he has embraced derby, for me, has trickled down to the kids. I’m incredibly lucky!
Q: You are one of several “Derby moms.” Why do you think the sporthas attracted so many moms in particular?
I think derby has attracted women in so many different phases of their life, it’s inevitable that some are going to be moms. I think the women and men who chose derby are incredibly passionate people. Some like the challenge of the sport – getting up every time you’re knocked down – the training of becoming a better athlete, seeing your game improve. Some like the exercise, some like the derby “family.” Some, men and women both, are involved so their kids can see the empowerment of a sport like derby. This is a do-it-yourself sport that takes a ton of passion, time, effort and love of every single person in the league, and countless volunteers. It’s a great example to our children of hard work, self-responsibility and giving back to our community. I also like showing our girls that women can be strong and competitive and this doesn’t make them less feminine.
Q: You are the skater rep on the Twin City Derby Girls board of directors. What is your role, and where do you see the future of derby in Champaign-Urbana?
As a skater rep for the league, it is my responsibility to be a voice for the skaters on the board. Myself and the other skater rep, Kimbuktu (Kim Brookens) are point-people for the skaters, or any league members, really, to voice any concerns or input they have for the board in regards to the structure of practices, issues with other skaters, or even positive input, to name just a few things. As for the future of derby in C-U, I see it big! I know that we have incredible people in our league who are working countless hours a week toward the growth of this sport. Our referee crew is already one of the strongest in Central Illinois, often traveling, on their own time, to officiate bouts for other leagues and attend clinics to learn more about the sport. Our travel team is arguably one of the strongest up-and-coming teams, who I think is really going to put our town on the map, regionally. Our home teams are equally competitive and house some of the fan-favorites. There’s a lot of work ahead of us, but I know C-U will be with us every step of the way, as we become chartered through WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) and work toward placing in the North Central Regional tournament. Someday Champaign may even be known as the No. 1 derby team in the nation! The possibilities are endless.
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