Meet Laura & Lee

Andrew met good friends, Laura & Lee, today. Here’s what they had to say:

Andrew: Tell me a little bit about what brought you both to the cave today?

Laura: We were looking for fun things to do in the area. We both came from about four hours away and wanted to do something that was relatively close and low-key. We live in opposite directions, so we just decided to pick a place that was kind of a halfway point and then figured it out from there.

Lee: I met Laura when we were both working in the mental health field. Ours has been a very important friendship that we’ve had for around 9 years.

Andrew: You also are both involved in Roller Derby, how did that start for you?

Laura: When I graduated college, I desperately needed something to do. I enjoy contact sports, and derby was the only real contact sport in the area. I didn’t make it the first time I tried out for my local team, but I kept working at it and it’s been a part of my life for the last 16 years!

Lee: We aren’t on the same team now, but hopefully we can play against each other one day!

Andrew: What’s kept you coming back to roller derby, Laura?

Laura: It’s very fast paced, and again, a contact sport, which is hard to find once you’re out of college. It also keeps you connected with some really interesting people, not only on your team, but from other areas as well.

Andrew: Lee, what about you?

Lee: Specifically for me, it helps me stay connected with a really great queer community. It’s also allowed me to learn how to use my body defensively, which makes me feel empowered in a way that other sports haven’t. Derby really requires you to develop a special type of physicality. It’s funny, I feel like no matter where we are, derby always seems to come up.

Laura: Its everywhere, it may not be super popularized, but if you want to get involved there’s definitely a derby community near you. It’s also a great way to relieve stress. I currently work in clinical social work as a therapist, and it’s just a great way to focus on being physical.

Lee: Definitely. I’m a children’s mental health counselor, and I focus on LGBTQ youth, as well as children dealing with grief and loss. Derby feels great because its a time for me to just be in the moment.

Andrew: If either of you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

Laura: Before you panic, in any situation, have a snack, and take a nap. Works wonders.

Lee: Don’t be afraid to do silly things that make you happy. I’m 32, but that didn’t stop me from buying myself a stuffed animal from the gift shop, and now I have that memory with me forever. Life’s too short to worry about silly things.

Andrew: It was so nice to meet you. Thank you both for visiting