The opening of Cornfed’s Lucky Season Seven is rapidly approaching and that means celebrating those who have helped us get here. Our team wouldn’t be where we are without our excellent coaching staff. This season Cornfed is lucky to have a few new coaches and we’ve had a great time getting to know them.
I (Ziggy Starthrust) had the opportunity to talk with one of the Muncie Missfits’ new coaches, Emily Daly, about her experiences. I’ve personally had a wonderful time skating under Emily’s guidance so far. Her previous experience as a skater gives her excellent insight on the ins and outs of the sport and she isn’t afraid to take charge as a coach. Read on to learn more about her and what she has to say about derby.
How long have you been involved with roller derby and what drew you to the sport? I grew up going to Gibson’s as a kid for skating parties, so I’ve always enjoyed being on eight wheels. I was living in Evansville, IN when Demolition City Roller Derby began there 10 years ago. I attended their first meeting/practice and I was hooked.
So you played derby for a while before becoming a coach? Oh yeah. I played for Demolition City for roughly four years, then I transferred to the Rat City Rollergirls in Seattle, Washington, where I skated for 3 years. I retired from derby when I had my daughter, Teagan.
What made you decide to give coaching a shot? I never really considered it as an option until Cosmo reached out to me and said Cornfed was looking for a new coach. So I applied and I am so thrilled I did!
We’re happy to have you too! What has been the hardest part of transitioning from skater to coach? Definitely not skating! Ha. I know I can be heavy handed and make practices a little rough, but I can at least say I have been there… and I know it hurts. It’s hopefully beneficial pain.
What is the most rewarding part of being a coach? It’s a hard choice between seeing someone improve with the right guidance and hearing skaters say they had a great practice. There is no other feeling like an invigorating workout.
So what do you when you aren’t coaching? What’s a day in the life of Emily like? Ha! Busy. I’m a full time student aiming to apply to the surgical technology program in May, so this semester is full of difficult classes. I’m also a full time sole parent to my daughters (3 & 4). I would say I am in a constant state of ‘chicken with its head cut off’ frenzy. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although, I do remember 10 years ago thinking I was ‘busy’ then!
What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given you when you first started your derby journey? Hit harder. Skate lower. Finish strong. Don’t save a single ounce of energy for the ‘what ifs’ of practice or a game. You never know when it’ll be your last.
And final question: Is there anything you want to say to the team as we go into the first bout of the season? That’s a hard one. I would say at any given moment you have two options: step forward into growth or step back into safety. Onward & upward, Cornfed! ❤
Come see Emily be one of the Missfits’ fearless leaders in our first bout of the season on February 26, at Gibson’s Skating Arena, 2610 S. Mock Ave. The CFDD All-Stars will take on the Derby City Rollergirls All-Stars (Louisville) and the Muncie Missfits will be playing the Derby City Rollergirls’ Bourbon Brawlers.
Doors open for the double header at 1 p.m. with a 2 p.m. start time for the All-Stars game. Tickets at the door are $12 per person (cash or card) or $10 in advance through Brown Paper Tickets or from any Cornfed Derby Dame. College students are just $8 with a valid ID and children ages 10 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket (limit two children).
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available at the concession stand. A portion of all bout proceeds this season will benefit Muncie OUTreach. Hope to see you there!