Brianna Ruins

Get to know Brianna Ruins...

What is the meaning behind your skater name?

I'm named after the Boston Bruins, my hometown hockey team and the reason I got into derby.

What was your athletic background prior to playing roller derby?

I was an active kid, but never played any team sports at all. I thought I was pretty athletic until I realized the physical demands that sports actually require of you.

Is there a song that gets you pumped up before a bout?

Fighting With the Melody by Jimmy Urine.

What aspect of derby do you enjoy the most?

I love the community. I travel a lot and no matter where I go, I can drop in on another league's practices or meet up with fellow players and be immediately and completely welcomed and accepted. Nothing else I've been involved with is quite like that.

How did you get started in your roller derby career?

I needed a hobby and a good way to meet people when I moved to Ohio, hundreds of miles away from my friends and family. There were no hockey leagues where I moved to, but someone suggested I look into the local roller derby team as a suitable alternative. I did exactly that and fell in love with the sport. I couldn't imagine life without it now.