Meet the St. Chux Derby Chix

Deanna Seithel "Vixen TaGetcha"

32, from O'Fallon, part-owner of Yuppy Puppy in O'Fallon

St. Charles Patch: How did you start doing roller derby?

Seithel: I was actually talking to my brother. I had seen the movie, Whip It, and he said, "You know we have a team." I was like, "Yeah, they are so far away." I Googled it and found out about newbie recruitment night. I came and practiced. 

I've always tried to be athletic, to be healthy. I was looking for a way to step it up. I was a rink rat as a kid.

St. Charles Patch: What was the biggest challenge?

Seithel: The most challenging part in the beginning was trying to make my 25 laps in five minutes and laying hits on people. They're your teammates, you don't want to hurt them. 

St. Charles Patch: How has derby changed you?

Seithel: It's made me a lot more open and accepting of people. I'm not afraid to approach people. It's made me more confident. I'm in the best shape--much better shape than before. 

Jamielee Conner "GI Jamie"

25, St. Charles, certified medical assistant at Lake Saint Charles Senior Living Community 

St. Charles Patch: How long have you been playing roller derby? 

Conner: A little over a year. I didn't really want to do it. Then I got out here, and I put skates on, and it was over. I've always been kind of a competitive person. I was a dancer for 12 years. When I saw a (roller derby) bout here, I was like, "that's just awesome." 

St. Charles Patch: What do you like most? 

Conner: There's no right or wrong in derby. You're accepted for who you are and that's it. With ballet, it's all about being proper. (In roller derby) it's not so much about being pretty. You get sweaty and dirty here. 

Autumn Amis "Clamburgler"

28, St. Charles, leasing agent

St. Charles Patch: How long have you played derby?

Amis: I've been doing this since 2009. I've always been an athlete. I used to play roller hockey. I heard of roller derby, but only as far as being in the '70s. 

St. Charles Patch: What have you gained from doing roller derby?

Amis: Friendships, being a part of something, getting back into shape, being part of something that is positive. 

St. Charles Patch: What's your favorite part?

Amis: During a bout, the first part where you are standing up there, you're nervous. Once they blow that whistle, there's that butterfly feeling of adrenaline. I love the full contact of the sport. 

Lisa Stroker "Wood Stroker"

39, Creve Coeur, business owner 

St. Charles Patch: Why do you do roller derby?

Stroker: This is a huge stress reliever for me. I like the cardio and meeting all of the girls.

St. Charles Patch: What do you think about this upcoming season?

Stroker: I'm excited. I got injured last season, so most of the season I was out. I wheel-locked with another girl, when I feel I tore my meniscus. I wear a knee brace. I was so into it and looked forward to every practice. When I got hurt, I was devastated. My family, my husband, my daughter. She didn't like me being hurt. I struggled with coming back. Then, I was like, depressed over not being able to skate. I knew I was coming back as soon as I was allowed by my doctor. 

St. Charles Patch: What do your friends think? 

Stroker:  "Wow, I can't believe she's doing it." They know I'm feisty, but I'm also laid back. 

St. Charles Patch: What does your daughter think? 

Stroker:  She comes to every single practice. She's always here. She's 5 years old. She loves it--she has her own little derby shirt. 

Vickie Gee "The Victimizer" 

38, St. Charles, product supervisor at a pharmacy company

St. Charles Patch: Tell me about your derby name.

Gee: I wanted something easy for me and had a core to my name somehow. You want a cool persona. Our names are registered. It cannot be repeated. 

St. Charles Patch: What would you like to tell people about derby?

Gee: It's not what it used to be. It's not a sideshow. It's a legitimate league and a legitimate sport. It's really entertaining to watch. 

Rebecca Bauer "Mia Smashin'"

31, Wentzville, special education coordinator

St. Charles Patch: How did you get started in derby?

Bauer: My sister-in-law was on the team and asked me. I'd seen her scrimmage. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. I was convinced to come once. She finally talked me into it. 

St. Charles Patch: What do you like best about it?

Bauer: The team, the girls--it's a community outside of work. We're friends. We have a good time.