Introducing Handi-J:

Handi grew up skating in rinks in Illinois so when she heard about the Ft Myers Derby Girls she decided it would be a fun challenge and started playing February of 2009.

Ten years ago she married her husband, Brian, who remains a constant supporter of FMDG and is an avid member of “The Men of Derby” or “Derby Husbands”.

When Handi isn’t knocking girls off the track she’s selling real estate for Sellstate Priority Reality, which she has done for the past two years.

In a bout February of 2010, against Bradenton, she mangled and broke 3 fingers which needed 2 surgeries and kept her from playing for 8 months. This did earn her the award of Best Injury for the 2010 season. In the 2011 season, Handi received the awards for Most Improved and Miss Congeniality.

Team camaraderie and opponent competition are Handi’s favorite parts of roller derby, and she doesn’t have a single favorite game because she loves them all!

As for new skaters who want to play derby, referee, or be a non-skating official, Handi gives them the harsh-reality advice of “either you want to do it or you don’t”, meaning it takes a lot of time and commitment, and you must be dedicated to be successful. Watch out tonight for number 5, your own Handi-J.