In this new series, we’re going to introduce you to the fierce and fab ladies who live, work and play within our Midcoast community. Not everybody has the guts and drive to make it in the sport of roller derby. Welcome to the women who love, live and breathe derby.

Skater Profile: Roll Doll

Real name: Zoë Foster

Tell us about your derby name: It’s a tribute to my favorite children’s book author, Roald Dahl. I have fond memories of my dad reading him aloud to me at bed time, and laughing so hard that tears poured down my face and my belly hurt.

Age: 29

Current town and hometown: I live in Thomaston. I grew up in Wassaic, N.Y.

Occupation: Montessori teacher

How long have you been skating: Since the beginning of Rock Coast Rollers! Has it seriously been almost three years?

Why derby?:  Derby snuck up on me. I was never an athlete or even very physically coordinated. It’s been one of the best things I ever could have done for myself. So far, I’ve gained some pretty great stuff, like inner confidence, a healthy body, amazing friends and a ferocity I didn’t know I had.

What’s been the most challenging aspect of derby so far? What’s your Achilles’ heel, so to speak?: At every level, there’s been something that has challenged and eluded me. Very early on, I was afraid of getting hit. One day, I came to practice and realized I wasn’t afraid anymore. Then, it was transitions. Now, I love to skate backward and make rapid transitions. Currently, I’m struggling with offense, but I know I’ll get there. The great thing about derby is that the tough things don’t stay tough. But, there will always be new, hard things to practice and get good at. It’s part of what I love about the sport.

Most fun and rewarding part of derby: You mean besides getting to wear wheels on my feet and crash into people? One of my favorite things has been getting to see the growth in my teammates and to watch them become super strong skaters, year by year. Also, the community is the best. We’re a big family, and there’s just a huge amount of love and support that circulates within the league.

Other sports/hobbies/interests: Teaching, laughing, reading, playing outside, eating, making bad puns, hanging out with my husband and dogs.

Related stories:

• Roller derby skater profile: Smacks On Deck

• Roller derby skater profile: Chain Lynx

Rock Coast Rollers is a diverse group of women dedicated to advancing and advocating for the sport of roller derby, women, their league and their community. RCR aims to be a skater-owned, nonprofit business under the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, based in Rockland. For more information visit rockcoastrollers.org.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com