Best MRDA Podcasts (2025)

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187 - Why You NEED an Off Season 1:00:08

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13d ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Burnout doesn’t show up all at once — it creeps in slowly, disguised as exhaustion, irritability, or the sinking feeling that you’re no longer doing anything well. In this episode, we dig into what burnout looks like in roller derby and in leadership roles, how to recognize when you’re hitting your limits, and why stepping away might be the most po…

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IMPECCABLE VIBES W/ TOXIC MARCOTIC AND COACH CALLIE 1:29:07

13d ago1:29:07

1:29:07

Send us a text Hello Hot Boxers!!!! This week we sit down with the amazing derby duo Marc and Callie. From coaching to officiating to playing this power couple has done it all! We can't gush enough about how wonderful these two humans are! Take a listen and find out for your self! Please take a moment to give us all the stars (ok, maybe just 5) and…

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186 - The BIG Question: Competitive or Fun? Finding Your Team's Direction 1:01:37

27d ago1:01:37

1:01:37

It started with a simple exercise — a wall of sticky notes and one question: Do you want the league to be competitive or fun? What happened next revealed more than anyone expected. Behind each was a story — of why people skate, what they’re chasing, and what they’re afraid to lose. And why they leave when they're not getting what they want from a s…

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STILL GOING FAST W/ KATE SERA SERA 1:25:19

28d ago1:25:19

1:25:19

Send us a text Happy Fall Hot Boxers! This week we sit down with Kate Sera Sera, formerly of Gotham Roller Derby! We catch up with Kate and go down memory lane reliving the glory days of derby. Kate fills us in on what she is up to after retiring from roller derby and what skating adventures are next! Please take a moment to give us all the stars (…

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185: The Wheel Deal Documentary 53:04

1M ago53:04

53:04

In this episode, I talk to Super Smash Ho aka Nicole Doucette, producer of The Wheel Deal roller derby documentary focusing on the Terminal City Roller Derby league in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This project is a seven episode series, newly released on youtube, free to everyone! This documentary brings to light a very common challenge in roller derby –…

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184 - Break FREE of the Perfection Trap 36:18

1M ago36:18

36:18

"We could be freeeee....." This episode is for the perfectionists out there and how we can break ourselves out of cycle of the trap of perfectionism. After injury and self-doubt left me questioning everything, I found myself wrestling with perfectionism, shame, and the fear of not being “enough.” In this episode, I share how I learned to let go of …

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183 - Unleash Your Alter Ego 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

In this episode, I talk about stepping into character and embracing your roller derby identity and alter ego to give yourself to be competitive and elevate your own performance and push everyone else to their limits. I also talk about team culture and taking care of each other and how your contagious energy can push your team forward or hold them b…

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Who is Mystic John!? W/ Portsmouth Roller Wenches 1:09:30

2M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Send us a text Avast ye Hotboxers! This week we sit down with Portsmouth Roller Wenche's own Pip, Smash and Rollie! From coming back from covid to absorbing fallen teams to WHO IS MYSTIC JOHN!? Come hang out with us while we chat with our friends from across the pond. Please take a moment to give us all the stars (ok, maybe just 5) and leave a revi…

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182 - What Your Coach Won’t Tell You 40:05

2M ago40:05

40:05

I read a book that made me mad...and then it made me think. In this episode, we uncover the hard truths about competition that coaches often leave out. From shifting your mindset to embrace relentless competitiveness, to understanding how small actions control the margin of victory, we explore what it really takes to win. Learn how to push your lim…

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DON'T LET THEM EAT THE BABY W/ DOUBLE H 1:42:23

2M ago1:42:23

1:42:23

Send us a text Hello Boxboxers! Just in time for her book release, "Don't Let Them Eat the Baby: Why Roller Derby is the Greatest Sport Never Sold", Erica Vanstone (AKA Double H) sits down with us to talk about her book, being the president of WFTDA, and why Slice doesn't know what a Rom-Com is. Join us for a great talk and, of course, all of the s…

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JACKIE DANIELS Special Guest! 181 - Longevity in Roller Derby 1:09:59

2M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

This week, I welcome one of my favorite people and long time heroes in roller derby to the podcast -- Jackie Daniels! During this Jackie-Jackie connection, you'll hear all about her trail blazing career of 20+ years (so far ;-) ) in our sport. Being part of history at the beginning of the WFTDA in one of the first 30 leagues, Grand Raggidy, and wha…

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180 - Why You CAN'T MISS MRDA Champs this year! 52:43

2M ago52:43

52:43

Today we are getting a preview of MRDA Champs coming up with special guest, Showtime! Showtime aged up from the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) and now competes in the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA), skating with Concussion Roller Derby, where she also serves as team captain. Beyond her fierce gameplay, she’s a dedicated junior coach,…

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NOMAD Special Guest! 179 - The Power of Showing Up for Each Other 1:49:53

3M ago1:49:53

1:49:53

Today's episode has special guest -- NoMad (from NoMad Coaching)! NoMad has played, coached, and officiated at high levels of play all around the world. NoMad's roller derby story has so many life lessons and takeaways along with many laughs and a handful of somber moments that will make you really consider how you're approaching your journey in th…

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Opening New Tabs with Señor Poo Poo 1:41:49

3M ago1:41:49

1:41:49

Send us a text Hellllllllllllooo Hot Boxers! This week we sit down and chat with Señor Poo Poo of Gotham Roller Derby and Fuego Latino Roller Derby. From rookie beginings to Champs to all the blurple in-between! Hold on to your butts cause this one is a wild ride! Please take a moment to give us all the stars (ok maybe just 5) and leave a review. T…

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178 - You Belong Here: Creating a Culture of Connection 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

What makes a team unforgettable? It's not just the wins—it's the weird, wild, and deeply human moments that bond people together. From moments of fierce competition and overcoming adversity to silly shenanigans and belly laughs, this episode explores how to intentionally create more moments of connection, closeness, and joy within your team. The bo…

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177 - One More Jam 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

What if you approached each day knowing it could be the last time doing the things you love? In this heartfelt episode, I explore the philosophy of Memento Mori — a reminder of life’s impermanence — and how it’s helped me find renewed purpose and joy in our sport. Through injuries, surgeries, and soul-searching, I found myself not where I expected …

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PEACEWAR Special Guest! 176 - Hard Work Pays Off 59:55

3M ago59:55

59:55

This week, I'm joined by the unstoppable PeaceWar telling the stories of her beginnings in derby to her proudest moments on the track. From enduring grueling tryouts for Texas to being named Tournament MVP for WFTDA D1 Playoffs in Montreal in 2016. This season, she represented Fuego Latino at the World Cup in Austria as well as USA as a coach at th…

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Asking ALL the Questions w/ Bacon the Question 1:32:26

3M ago1:32:26

1:32:26

Send us a text Hey Hey Hey Hotboxers! This week we sit down with one of the coolest Refs we know: BACON THE QUESTION! One of the best ways to learn is by asking as many questions you can from as many people as you can! Please take a moment to give us all the stars (ok maybe just 5) and leave a review. This episode is sponsored by: Bruised Boutique!…

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175 - 9 Mistakes To Avoid Joining a New Team 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

New League, Who Dis? Whether you're transferring from another league or lacing up for the very first time, starting fresh on a new roller derby team can be both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, I'm breaking down the 9 biggest mistakes skaters make when joining a new team—so you can avoid these awkward missteps and roll into your new leag…

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174 - Before the Season Falls Apart: Build the Trust That Holds It Together 44:21

4M ago44:21

44:21

Great teams don’t crumble because of talent gaps — they fall apart when trust breaks down. In this episode, we dig into why trust is the foundation of every resilient, high-performing team, and how coaches, athletes, and support systems can build it before it's too late. If your team culture is showing cracks, this episode will give you the tools t…

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Us Against The World w/ Bear Jew, Bessie, Ms.Take, and P.R. Nightmare 51:12

4M ago51:12

51:12

Send us a text Saddle up Hot Boxers! We are talkin' WORLDS with 4 PA Skaters! Bear Jew of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby and Jewish Roller Derby, Bessie of Bux-mont Roller Derby, Pittsburgh Roller Derby, and Team Puerto Rico, Ms. Take of Harrisburg Area Roller Derby and Fuego Latino Roller Derby, and P.R. Nightmare of Dutchland Derby Rollers an…

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173 - 4 Tricks for Winning Your Mental Game 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD!!! In roller derby, your toughest opponent might just be your own mind. If negative thoughts and outside noise are holding you back from skating your best, this episode is for you. We dive into how to shut down doubt, take control of your story, and lean on your teammates to push through. Plus, we share real ways to help you fe…

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172 - 3 Leadership Traps That Hold Athletes Back 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

In this episode, uncover three common leadership mistakes that limit growth -- and learn how to develop confident, self-sufficient athletes who can handle pressure on and off the track. Resilience isn't build in comfort -- it's forged through challenge. Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre This podcast is brought to you by…

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The Age-Up Challenge: Derby Life Beyond Juniors w/ Krusher 1:22:22

4M ago1:22:22

1:22:22

Send us a text HELLO HOTBOXERS! WE ARE BACK AFTER A MUCH NEEDED MONTH OFF! This week, we chat with Krusher from Jet City Roller Derby and Pudget Sound Outcast Roller Derby. Krusher shares what it's like to transition from junior to adult competitive roller derby, and how the derby community might need to evolve to support the influx of new talent m…

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171 - Before you quit derby, listen to this first 49:10

4M ago49:10

49:10

What happens when the thing you once loved—your sport, your career, your passion—starts to feel like a burden? In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between passion and performance, why burnout happens even when you’re doing what you love, and how to reconnect with your “why.” Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not …

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170 - Bruised but Proud: Finding Meaning in the Pain 49:52

5M ago49:52

49:52

Why do we choose to suffer? Why do we volunteer for the bruises, the exhaustion, the late-night tournament planning sessions, the endless drills? This episode digs deep into the meaning behind the pain we choose—and how that effort transforms us. Whether you’re a skater who loves the hits or a coach who juggles everything to keep the team in the ga…

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169 - Stepping Up: How the World Cup Got it Right 1:08:13

5M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

I’m diving into highlights of the Roller Derby World Cup 2025 and stacking the entire event up against last year’s Championships! You may remember I shared some critical feedback and ideas for how to make the biggest tournaments in our sport more engaging and audience friendly in episode 141: 5 Ways to Make Me LOVE Champs Again. How did the Roller …

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168 - Beyond Skill: What It Really Takes to Make a Top 8 World Cup Team 1:18:04

5M ago1:18:04

1:18:04

In this episode, I go backstage at the Roller Derby World Cup for interviews with skaters and coaches from USA, Australia, Sweden, Argentina, and Canada. From grueling gym sessions to recovering from injury, these athletes share the physical and emotional work it takes to earn a spot on one of the most competitive rosters in our sport. You’ll hear …

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167 - Your Ultimate Guide to the Roller Derby World Cup 1:20:49

5M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

This special episode covers absolutely EVERYTHING you need to know before watching or attending the Roller Derby World Cup this week! Listen during your travels and GET READY! Dork Mistress (Co-Head Announcer) and Cruella de Wild (of the host league, Fearless Bruisers) tag team explaining everything you've been dying to know about the the tournamen…

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MRDA: A Space for Everyone w/ Mooose 59:32

5M ago59:32

59:32

Send us a text Hello Wonderful Hotboxers! This week we sit down with current President of the MRDA and Member of Casco Bay Roller Derby, MOOOSE! We talk future of the MRDA and why insurance is the bane of all of our existences! Please take a moment to give us all the stars (ok maybe just 5) and leave a review. This episode is sponsored by: Bruised …

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166 - Team Poland Roller Derby 53:00

6M ago53:00

53:00

We're back in Europe for the last team interview before the World Cup talking to Team Poland! Mother Blocker (Team Manager) and Hell Stork (Captain) share about their journeys, the journey of their team, and explain the Polish smile and why Pierogis are good for before derby, after derby, and pretty much every meal! I’m talking to teams going to th…

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Vibes and a Dream w/ Critical Roll 1:16:01

6M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Send us a text Hey Hey Hey Hotboxers! This week we sit down with Connecticut Roller Derby's Critical Roll to chat about their short documentary Derby, Baby "Derby, Baby! doesn't just answer the question "what is roller derby?", it shows us why roller derby matters. Three skaters explore their connection to roller derby and queer identity, charting …

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165 - Team Indigenous Rising Roller Derby 52:26

6M ago52:26

52:26

This week's World Cup Team interview is with Indigenous Rising! BeastMode, Smackagawea, and Coach Krispy took time out of their team training weekend in Arizona to share more about their personal journeys in the sport, the evolution of this team, and how it has helped them connect with their heritage and each other. I’m talking to teams going to th…

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164 - Team Brazil Roller Derby 57:59

6M ago57:59

57:59

This week is all about Team Brazil! Naclara and Maria Loca share their stories and the challenges of pursuing roller derby in their country and how their passion for the sport keeps them strong. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about them and help support their journey. Follow Team Brazil on socials! https:…

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JUST A BUNCH OF MxFITS 1:31:23

6M ago1:31:23

1:31:23

Send us a text HEY HEY HEY HOTBOXERS! This week we sit down with MxFits league founders Cunning Stunt and Kateastrophy. Listen in on how this dynamic duo came up with a brilliant way to help educate and grow the derby community in their province of Ontario Canada! This episode is sponsored by: Bruised Boutique! Use code HOTBOX10 to receive 10% off …

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163 - Imposter Syndrome in Roller Derby: Lead Jammer or Just Lucky? 49:33

6M ago49:33

49:33

In this episode, I revisit a topic that’s been echoing through my conversations lately—Imposter Syndrome. I’ve heard it from teammates, podcast listeners, even my own inner voice. Six years after my original episode on the subject, so much has changed—for all of us. I share personal stories, lessons from coaching, and mental tools that have helped …

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162 - Black Diaspora Roller Derby 1:42:26

6M ago1:42:26

1:42:26

Full house this episode with Black Diaspora Roller Derby! Diamond (cofounder of Black Disapora), Quadzilla (coach), Lightning McLynn, Archangel Anarchy, Thumpher, Wheelameana, and Hella Naughty share their roller derby stories and what it means to be a part of this borderless team. Who travels the furthest? What's Quadzilla's secret to the fountain…

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3RD WHEELIN' WITH DERBY DATE NIGHT 1:40:19

7M ago1:40:19

1:40:19

Send us a text HELLO BEAUTIFUL HOTBOXERS AND 3RD WHEELERS! This week we sit down with Aria and Sirius of Derby Date Night! Derby Date night is a youtube channel that provides a unique and interactive way to watch roller derby! You can find Derby Date night's youtube channel here: www.youtube.com/@derbydatenight You can reach out to Derby Date night…

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The Derby Mental Health Toolbox Series Ep. 10: Trans Nights of the Round Table 1:42:31

7M ago1:42:31

1:42:31

Send us a text We are back with another Mental Health Toolbox episode! This week, we sit down with Smash Ketchum (Monadnock Roller Derby), Hammer Abby (Madison Roller Derby), and Sweeney Quad (Nor East Uprising and NE Junior Roller Derby). We gathered this roundtable to get some different perspectives on what it is like to be trans in the roller de…

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161 - Team Finland Roller Derby 48:10

7M ago48:10

48:10

This week, I got to talk to Team Finland and discover the secret to being one of the happiest countries in the world with Eerika aka Queerika of Helsinki Roller Derby and Ronja aka Rogue Fun of London Roller Derby. Why the grumpy fish? What does SISU really mean? Will we finally see one of the English speaking countries knocked out of the top spots…

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160 - Team Austria, Hosts of the Roller Derby World Cup! 1:01:53

7M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

This week's guests are Bellaciao from Vienna Roller Derby and Hell-o Kitty from the Fearless Bruisers of Innsbruck, Austria, hosts of the Roller Derby World Cup! What goes into putting on an event this massive? Let's get a behind-the-scenes look at this team and their mission of bringing the message of Skates over States to the world. I’m talking t…

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The Deep Dish w/ Chicago-Style Roller Derby 1:40:39

7M ago1:40:39

1:40:39

Send us a text Happy May Hotboxers! This week we sit down with Chi-Town Choker, Crissy Crossbones, and (Unfortunately) Phil Doe of Chicago-Style Roller Derby! Listen in to find out what makes this team so new but also not new! Also if there is anything wrong with this episode it is 100% Phil's fault. Check out Chicago-Style Roller Derby here: https…

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159 - EARN IT on the Track: 6 Ways to Build Trust and Respect 40:37

7M ago40:37

40:37

In this episode, I share six ways to build trust and earn respect in your roller derby league. These are lessons I've picked up over the last 15 years as a skater, captain, and now as a coach. Earning trust is a long game that takes consistency, vulnerability, and accountability. Trust doesn't happen overnight -- it's something we earn every day, o…

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158 - Team Iceland Roller Derby 52:34

7M ago52:34

52:34

I spoke with Ice Sickle and Mango about Team Iceland this week! What is it like to have the only roller derby team on an island? How did they obtain and renovate their amazing practice space? And why will they literally troll other teams at the Roller Derby World Cup with their troll energy? I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so …

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Team Desi: Catching the No Borders Current w/ Nikki Trikki Savi 1:14:28

7M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Send us a text Helllllllllllo Derbyverse! This week we sit down with the founder of Team Desi: Nikki Trikki Savi! Nikki talks with us about creating a new No Borders team and how established No Borders teams paved the way for new teams to be created and celebrated. Help Get Team Desi to Worlds: Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-team-de…

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Tarantula: The Hips of the MRDA 1:24:45

8M ago1:24:45

1:24:45

Send us a text Heeeeellllloooo Hotboxers!!! This week we are so excited to bring you our interview with Blocker extraordinaire TARANTULA! Formally of Rose's WOJ and current skater for MRDA's Concussion Roller Derby, USA Roller Derby AND Salam Roller Derby! Take a listen! You wont want to miss this one! As always, please rate and subscribe to the po…

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157 - Team Taiwan Roller Derby 50:34

8M ago50:34

50:34

This week, I got to talk to Sarah aka Shaolin Spocker from the Rose City Rollers and Shannon aka Shenanigans from Terminal City Roller Derby about Team Taiwan on their way to their very first appearance at the World Cup! This is a diasporic team as there are no roller derby teams in Taiwan. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so w…

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Sorry, Not Sorry W/ Greever 1:51:51

8M ago1:51:51

1:51:51

Send us a text Hey Hotboxers.... Not gonna lie....this one is totally off the rails! Hold on tight while we chat with Greever about all the things...and maybe some roller derby in there too? Sorry...Not Sorry! This episode is sponsored by: Bruised Boutique! Use code HOTBOX10 to receive 10% off your regular priced order in store or online at https:/…

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156 - South Africa Roller Derby 1:15:51

8M ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Four members of Team South Africa Roller Derby came on the show this week to tell us about their team's journey going into the World Cup! I talked with DiFibrillator and Iron Tyrant of Golden City Rollers and Zelfire and Shabam of Cape Town Rollergirls. I’m talking to teams going to the World Cup this year so we can learn more about their history a…

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155 - Don't THINK. ACT! 40:06

8M ago40:06

40:06

How do you create a chemical reaction between yourself and a teammate? How do you create inspiration? Practice is good for developing fundamental skills, but not for deploying those skills under pressure. In a game, things never turn out exactly the way you planned. But there's a way to break through -- improvisation. Photo by Ciara Janae Photograp…