Ruth Wiliams
Chaya Derby Pro Team
Name: Ruth Williams
NickName: Beastwar
Country: USA
Current Location: Austin, Texas
Loving to skate since: I learned how to skate when I was two years old outside of my house. Since then, I have always loved skating. Growing up, my dad would always take my brothers and me to Fantasyland, our local rink, to skate. I learned how to crossover and inline skate from my older brothers. I learned backward skating from a 9yr old. That kid could skate!
Riding for Chaya/PS since: 2016 and it was the best year ever!
Current Skate Setup: Onyx, 20 Degree Shiva Clip Axle Plate, Wicked Bearings, Juice Wheels.
Why do you love to skate? I love to skate because it makes me feel amazing. Skating is a form of meditation for me. When I am skating, I clear my mind of everything. Skating makes me feel strong and empowered as a woman.
What keeps you pushing forward in skating? I am motivated by Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Rock. I also keep pushing forward because I know my team appreciates me and believes in me. I am motivated by all the amazing Junior Derby Skaters. It’s important to keep learning and moving forward.
What was your greatest success? I am honored to have been selected as 2016 Wftda Montreal Playoffs MVP, to have played at the Roller Derby World Cup with Team Mexico in 2018, and to get 1st place at the First B Team Champs with my Team Firing Squad.
What is your favorite competition? I love playoffs, Champs and Rollercon because we get to play other teams from all over the world. I love competing with all these amazing athletes. Rollercon is so amazing because you get to enjoy playing to play with no rankings to worry about. I love getting to know other fellow skaters.
What is your favorite move/trick? I love to play 360 Offense and the shoulder pop to the chest is my favorite move.
What advice would you like to give? Perseverance and hard work is the key to success. If you put in the work you will make your goals happen.
Any hobbies outside of skating? I like to go dancing, hiking, cycling, and travel when I have free time. I enjoy experiencing new towns, mingling with the people, culture and of course the food.
What is your favorite moment in skating? I think one of my most favorite moments has been skating with my team in the 2016 Wftda Montreal Playoffs. I love Montreal btw, it was my first playoffs I got to really block at that level. I love the French culture and of course, Canada is so cool. I had the most amazing pack mates at this tourney. My packmates in Montreal were Trauma, Stone-Her, Bittercup. We worked so well together. My second favorite moment was my first time at Big O in 2014. I got to play with the A team/ Texas and B Team/ Firing Squad. I learned so much from that tourney. My 3rd most favorite moment is Champs Montreal 2019. It was such great champs from my pack Tear, Cold Case, and Legal, my team, and all the athletes that played their butts off. My 4th is being a part of my first derby league South Texas Rolleristas now RGV Bandidas. I learned so much during my time with them and we always had a ton of fun.
Tell us about your personal philosophy, phrase, ethic, and/or value as a skater! Yes, you can write a book…? “Failure will never overtake me if my determination is strong enough,” by OG Mandino. I also love all Arnold Schwarzenegger motivational quotes, including his six rules for success: 1. Trust yourself; 2. Break some rules; 3. Don’t be afraid to fail; 4. Ignore the naysayers; 5. Work like hell; 6. Give something back. My teams love my silly hashtags. Here are some of them that really caught on: #200% #BeastMode #FSU #TurnItUp #400% #FallDownGetUp #BAA #BeastWar
