Name: Jess Enis
President, Granite State Roller Derby
How long have you been participating in roller derby?
This is my third season playing. I will have beeen skating for three years in October.
What made you get into into the sport?
I needed an active sport outlet. I tried soccer and kickboxing; neither were exciting enough or fit in my schedule. One of my clients brought in the newspaper with an article about GSRD and I fell in love.
What position/role do you play on the team?
I can mostly be found playing pivot (helmet with the stripe) but I have been known to jam – I just plow my way through the pack.
You are the president of Granite State Roller Derby. Was there a vote or were there hip checks involved?
Like most traditional organizations, we do have bylaws and we did have a traditional election. Members submit thier nominations and then nominees write a nomination letter or do a dance. Then the league votes.
What is it like being part of this particular team?
We are like a big family. With most sport teams there is competitiveness; in derby, there are so many elements and talents needed that everyone has a place. What I love about derby is we hit the hell out of each other on the track and then we go have a beer.
Your nickname is Enis Fly Trap. Is that just a fun play on words, or do you integrate the techniques and philosophies of a Venus fly trap into your bouts?
Mostly a play on words. Enis is my last name and I have been called Enis in all sports since I was a kid. So it was just a matter of finding a name that fit. My intro is “She devours her opponents whole . . . ” If you are a jammer and I set my eyes on you, good luck getting past me, I will hit you out again and again.
Who is the greatest derby dame of all time?
I guess I am a pretty big fan of Suzy Hotrod. She plays for Gotham in New York and is also on team USA.
The Insider staff is made up of Keith Testa and Ben Conant. What would our derby names be?
Oooh, that’s tough. Derby names are pretty unique to an inpidual and can be their inner personality. There are roller derby name generators you can try out.This is what the generator says: Ben – BendOver OndaWarpath and Keith – BetUr Contentious.
What’s the best way for readers to get involved with roller derby?
Come check out the fine ladies of GSRD this spring and summer at the Everett Arena, downtown at Market Days and at National Night Out. We are always recruiting skaters, referees, non-skating officials (scorekeepers, penalty trackers, time keepers) and volunteers. It takes 14 referees and non-skating officials plus 20 volunteers just to run a bout, but you get to hang out and eat with some great derby gals after. Our next open recruitment night is June 4 at 8 p.m.; email join@granitestaterollerderby.com for more info.
What do you do when you’re not derby-ing?
I am a hair stylist at Concord Headlines on South Main Street and a National Color Educator for Paul Mitchell.
What’s your hidden talent?
I am an artist who loves to create beautiful transitions of color found in nature on hair.
Guilty pleasure?
I guess I’m pretty boring here. I love soaking up the sunshine with a good book and a margarita.
