Interview: Chicago Outfit’s Sweet Mary Pain
November 10, 2011
A Moment with North Central Playoffs MVP Sweet Mary Pain
Interview by Shelly Shankya
Photo by Bob Dunnell
Do you have a background in skating?
I wish! That would have made that first year a lot easier. I played a million sports in high school but never skated. However, I did join the local speed team to supplement my derby training when I first started and competed with them a few times. Yes, I have the uni hanging in my closet. My first practice with The Chicago Outfit was in October 2007.
How did you get involved with the Chicago Outfit?
I heard about roller derby when I was living in upstate New York and was pumped about it! But it wasn't until I moved to Chicago that an old friend of mine introduced me to some Chi-Town Sirens who told me about the sport and dragged me along to practice one day. I was so lucky to be introduced to the Outfit when it was first being built. From the beginning, I was involved in the administration, and, shortly thereafter, coaching. These past four years with them have completely transformed me as a person and an athlete. I don't think I could have grown in that way if it wasn't for the Outfit.
The Chicago Outfit is a relatively new league to the WFTDA. How do you think your preparation for North Central Region Playoffs has helped your league perform so well?
From the beginning, it was the Outfit's goal to be a part of the WFTDA and we had made attempts to join the Association as early as our second season. Thankfully, some policy changes made it possible for us to join and be a full WFTDA league by our fourth season! Anticipating our eventual WFTDA membership was the best possible training.
Besides setting up a packed and challenging season, we really worked hard on harnessing our mental game, though it still needs work. We got really into using yoga, meditation and visualization to mentally prepare our physically-able bodies. We all know this sport is hugely mental.
How do you see the Chicago Outfit using the momentum from the strong showing at North Central Playoffs to prepare for next season?
I think we've set a pretty high precedent for ourselves now. This season was a little inconsistent for us, but after our first game at North Central Playoffs I think we really showed our abilities as a team and played to our potential. Getting a taste of what we can achieve with our like minds and hard work is the best kind of motivation for the Outfit. We've learned so much, and i know the team is just itching to apply it to next season.
What was the most memorable moment for you at North Central Playoffs?
There were so many awesome moments! I was so in love with every member of my team that weekend. Probably scoring a lead-changing 34-point jam against Mad Rollin' Dolls and then having Gayg (who was sick and feverish and rarely jams) have another 20-pointer a few jams later was amazing and a relief.
There was also a moment when I was on the jammer line with a scrum in front of me before the whistle blew. I looked over at Helsa Wayton, and without saying anything she knew exactly what I wanted her to. She set an awesome shield right where I wanted it and I just hoped over to get lead in seconds. It was amazing having that level of communication with my teammates, we were all on the same page.
Photo by Bob Dunnell
And what about being named MVP for the region? How does it feel?
Well that was really the best moment of the weekend! I felt so much love and support from my team and to get that support from the rest of the derby community by getting MVP—well, there is nothing better. I have been training very hard for a long time and this was such a great way to learn that hard work really does pay off. My teammate Lady K said, "This is our award too," and she was totally right! Every member of the Outfit contributed to that award. The Outfit wouldn't have gotten anywhere without their hard work and there is no way I would be the skater I am now without them challenging me every practice. Thanks for putting up with me, idiots!
The Chicago Outfit entered North Central Playoffs ranked #9 in the region, and finished in 5th. What do you think was the pivotal moment for you in the tournament that made that jump possible?
After losing our first bout against Arch Rival Roller Girls] by only three points and missing our chance at playing Windy City Rollers for the first time ever, I think we all just decided that was dumb and now we have to make up for it. Something magical seemed to happen though, we got over all our mental shit, focused on an end goal and most importantly, every member on the team started holding themselves accountable. Everyone really pulled their weight, stayed out of the box and contributed all they had. We were smiling, keeping it cool, wearing awesome 'staches and playing some of the best derby we ever played together.
A North Central team has yet to capture a WFTDA Championship title. How do you think the region as a whole is fighting to improve their chances at this?
It's hard to speak for this whole region, but I think the biggest strength I've seen, particularly in a team like Minnesota RollerGirls, is their willingness to work hard and with each other. It appears that teams are becoming stronger for longer and those who are on top stay up there for a while. To get into the upper echelon of teams will require more than just a few good skaters, it will require a deep bench, a common goal, and a relentless work ethic. Oh, and patience of course. I don't think you become a championship team overnight, and accepting realistic short term goals, like getting fifth place in your first regional tournament. Those are the steps a team will have to take to get to the top.
2011 Big 5 Links
Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.