BY: BOOKMANS

Pick a theme. Make a list. Share it with us. AZ Derby Dames hard hitter Ann Thrash puts the oomph in the AZDD image and the TKO in the PTO. Check out what music rocks her boat and why she was destined for roller derby.

What is this HANDPICKED thing?

"I think it’s safe to say that I’ve always gotten in a bit of trouble, was known to get into a fight here and there," says Ann Thrash, blocker/pivot and co-captain for the AZ Derby Dames' Coffin Draggers. "I've always voiced my opinion and had a strong personality. Destiny for roller derby!"

But don't write this Dame off as another tattooed punk girl spoiling for a brawl. "I'm a PTO [Parent Teacher Organization] mom," Ann says. "I was our PTO secretary for the past two years at my kids' school, and I am still very actively involved. In fact [the other night] I went from a PTO meeting to derby practice." Ms. Thrash also organized a team of her fellow Dames for the Relay for Life Cancer Walk and helped raise $3,500 for cancer research. "We walked continuously for 12 hours, taking turns. It was a lot of fun, a great cause, and a great way to give back to the community. My mom died of cancer, so it was a great honor to do this in her name with my fellow rollergirls."

It's another example of how a light scratch on the rollergirl surface reveals a diverse, talented, strong group of women who love the game. "We're moms, nurses, saleswomen, business owners, make-up artists, hair stylists, accountants, teachers," says Ann. "We even have an archaeologist on our team." Ann herself owns a few businesses: Bead Boppin Jewelry, which creates punk/goth/rockabilly-inspired beaded jewelry, and CRC Designs, her graphic design imprint that creates the AZ Derby Dames' bout flyers and programs, giving the league a visual punch to set them apart from the competition.

What are you passions outside of roller derby? "My family, music, concerts, hanging out with friends, graphic design and scrapbooking."

Ann played co-ed soccer for seven years at Castle Sports Club before she happened upon a roller derby game on a Saturday afternoon. "I remembered watching roller derby as a young girl," she says. "I remembered how fun it always looked. It took me five seconds to realize I wanted to play this game." A few weeks later she started watching A&E's "Rollergirls," a reality TV show that focused on an all-girl roller derby league in Austin, Texas, and began telling family and friends that she was going to try out for derby. "My idea was to lose 15 pounds, purchase a pair of skates, and start practicing on my own." Though she'd been a regular at the skate rink when she was a girl, Ann hadn't had skates on her feet in 18 years. But she'd been pretty good. "I even had my own pink skate box, pink skate covers, and cute little pom pom balls that went on to the top of my skates."

Enter the new league in town, the AZ Derby Dames. "My sister met a girl that had joined the AZ Derby Dames. Shalona wasn't interested but quickly put her and I together. The Dames weren't having bouts yet, but they were all practicing and training together. Seemed perfect for my situation. I went to an open practice, rented a pair of skates, and made an ass out of myself. The rest is history."

Since joining the Dames, Ann's cultivated a reputation for her blocking and pivoting skills, winning Best Pivot for the Coffin Draggers at the annual Rollerbrawl Awards last year. She tried jamming, but quickly discovered that "blocking is more of what Ann Thrash is about." And she's one of the hardest hitters in the league. "I've heard I'm a bitch to get around," she says. "I owe it all to my big booty."

What's the story behind your Derby name? "My husband came up with it. It's a play on words, meaning anthrax and I'm also thrashing around the rink. I love my name."

Ann's a firm believer that what happens on the rink stays on the rink. "We play derby and have fun. Yes, winning would be great, but I'm really here to have fun." And she guarantees that people who come see her play will get their money's worth. "I enjoy playing for a crowd and giving them something to 'ooh' and 'ahh 'about."

Check out Ann Thrash and the Coffin Draggers as they go head to head with the Brutal Beauties in the AZ Derby Dames Championship Bout on Sat, Nov. 17th!
 

Interested in being featured in HANDPICKED? Got upcoming projects you'd like us to know about and a burning desire to share your favorite finds? Email Heather at heatherc(at)bookmans.com for details.