I have put off writing this article for too long. I need to write it. I’m hoping I can get through it without getting off track or getting too emotional. Skid Ho is not just a team mate to me, she is a captain, a coach and someone I consider a very good friend and amazing person.
She’s one of those people who makes me laugh when I’m on the track (which is not always helpful but at least I’m enjoying my time rolling).
On a skater side, Skid has this natural bounciness to her. There is a lightness in her skates that is absolutely enviable. Her lateral motion is incredible; she’s not afraid to challenge blockers twice her size and she does so with a smile on her face. As a blocker, Skid is able to communicate effectively with her team mates, and can stop on a dime. Her hits are strong and quick, and she uses her positional blocking to trap jammers so that team mates like Treasure Chest can finish them off.
Skid genuinely loves this game and constantly is sacrificing in the name of Dutchland and derby. She is always striving to improve herself and has that charming self-deprivation that so many skilled skaters carry with them. She does not understand how amazing she is to watch, how fluid and strong. She doesn’t understand sometimes that she doesn’t have to do anything extra to command her team’s attention and respect as coach. All of us already have full, unquestioned respect for her dedication off the track and skill on it.
Aside from that, if you ever have a chance to take a road trip with her, do it. Hilarious.
Dutchland faced a lot of highs and lows in 2012. She has faced many trials as well this year. With every bump and bruise, with injury, and with triumphant return: Skid Ho has radiated tenacity. I am proud to call her coach. I am proud to call her friend. I cannot wait to see how many apexes she leaps this season.
I feel very fortunate to have Skid as a team mate. Not only does she demonstrate excellent leadership qualities on and off the track, but she is and talented, skilled, experienced, hard-working skater who is an inspiration to us all. – Sistine Shrapnel
Skid is one of the skaters I look up to most. She is such a talented skater; will take any amount of time to help out anyone with skills or strategy, and is gracious about it while helping. – Spanish Incollision
Thank you to photogs JPaden Photography, Click Dastardly, Sean Murphy and Tyler Shaw for the photos used.
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