Name: Kevin Upton ( K. Devil )
League Affiliation:Co-founder/ Coach: Greenville Derby Dames
Number of years involved in derby: 4 years

Why did you want to coach roller derby? I met a roller girl (Annathrax) who is now my wife. She played for a league that was in need of a coach when their coach decided to take a break. I stepped in and applied my sport playing experience to their training and fell in love with Roller Derby. 
What was the hardest thing about coaching the team? Learning how to teach and coach so many different personalities. Gaining a new players trust. Most importantly is getting everyone to buy into the discipline and training. 
What was the most fun thing about coaching the team? Watching the hard work put to test. Seeing the confidence on the face of all my skaters. Watching them execute and play the game like there is no tomorrow. Seeing the smiles from a hard fought victory is the best feeling and the most fun part of coaching.
What qualities make a skater great? Her work ethic for starters. The greatest skaters are always challenging themselves. Good attitude is very, very important. Being able to take constructive criticism is a key part to becoming a great skater.
Which skater do you most admire? I admire my wife Annathrax the most. Without her none of this would be possible. I also admire all the skaters Past, Present, and Future that have and will help the Greenville Derby Dames to continue to reach their goals and be successful.
Which coach or manager do you most admire, from any sport? I admire any coach who believes in his/her team and continues to push them to compete and win.
What are your favorite non-derby sports to play or to watch? Outside of derby im a football fanatic.
Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out? Make an effort to get to know your teammates, Do not judge yourself based on the ability of others. Your skills will come. If you need to throw up, do it. Then get back on the track and finish your laps. Talk less, skate more and Listen to your coach. He/she is coach for a reason.
Do you have any advice for those interested in coaching derby? Here are some keys I go by that have helped me along my way. Its from an article i read posted by TXRD.

•  We are all Unique!
•  Humans are Limited Capacity Processors!
•  Multitasking!  Eeek!!!
•  Trust, Trust, Trust!!! Respect, Respect, Respect!!!
•  Your Training Program must Compliment your League
•  Unified and Happy Teams Win
•  Focus on what you have
•  Skills and Characteristics that can be taught v. those that cannot be taught
•  Have Realistic Expectations
•  Being Challenged is Fun
•  Winning is Uncertain, Playing Good Derby is Not

What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with? GDD only
How long have you been skating (derby)? 3 years in April
How did you discover roller derby? I went to the starbucks down the road to get my mom a gift card for her bday and there was a recuitment poster hanging up so I took the info and it kinda just went from there
List your notable derby injuries...ruptured bursa in right knee... twice and plantar facitis in left foot
What do you do to get in to “derby mode”? Listen to music and watch derby youtube videos
How did you select your derby name and number? My coworker suggested abacus and i suggested frostborn bitch but my grandma didnt like the latter so we went with Abacus. My number is based off of 2 numbers that are always popping up 6 and 19
How do you pay the bills, feed your derby addiction? I am a senior payroll specialist for Paychex, Inc a national payroll provider.
Most notable derby accomplishment? The first time I got MVP. I only went in like 6 or 7 jams the whole bout but after it was all over the other team came up to me and said that every time they saw me out there they were scared.
Favorite food? Hard to say, I guess that would be hot wings
Favorite derby moment? Anytime my team is winning
Any hidden talents off the track? None, sorry I am lame ; )
Any hobbies besides derby? I used to play world of warcraft but derby now consumes every bit of my free time.
Favorite book? The Harry Potter series.  
Favorite song that gets you pumped for derby? Anything by The Sounds
What celebrity should totally do derby? Thats a tie between lindsey lohan and pink. pink would be awesome and lindsey would be a trainwreck which would provide for much enterainment.
Do you have Tattoos? What, where, and why? None, i am afraid of needles (and I am a big chicken)
What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you? I cannot stand being late or starting things late. I keep myself to a strict schedule to make sure I get all of my home, work and derby stuff done.
What was your previous athletic background, if any? None, unless you count the 2 summers I played softball when I was 12 and stood in left field bored out of my mind.
Which skater inspires you most, and why? Deranged from RMRG. She is a badass that can block and jam and she is on Team USA. 
Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out? Do not give up. You will have to push yourself harder than anything else you ever had. Don't be afraid to ask questions when it comes to gear, rules, strategy and what you personally need to improve on. If you dont ask they you will never know.
Favorite Derby Gear? 187 KNEE PADS, I KNOW THEY ARE EXPENSIVE BUT BUY THEM NOW!!! YOU WILL THANK ME LATER!!!
List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012. Mastering the backwards block,have an undefeated season for both All Stars and Bad News Babes, and taking home the 2012 State Championship Trophy.

What do the Greenville Derby Dames and the Road Warriors have in common? Why Jay Handler a.k.a Pass Da Mic! The Greenville Derby Dames invaded the Wine, Women and Warriors night at the Greenville Road Warriors Game at the Bi-Lo Center on January 12th. The Dames recruited, networked, met a few of the players, ran a booth in the concourse and of course – even got a little ‘Rowdy’. It was a great first event for our 2012 Season – be on the look out for more Greenville Derby Dame Neet N Greets! 

Come ring in the 2012 season, Derby Dame style! Meet the roller girls who are the Greenville Derby Dames, get info on our upcoming season and also where you can be spotting the Dames throughout the year! It's always a great time when the roller girls are in the house! See you at Baileys!! 


Saturday January 14th 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. @ Bailey's Sports Bar & Grille