Note: This is the third in The Beehive's week-long series of profiles about the Smog City Roller Grrls, leading up to the team's bout this Saturday against the Prison City Derby Dames. We're introducing you to a different Smog City grrl each day.

Today, we'd like you to meet McRed.

VITALS
Real Name: Amanda Veredas
Age: 27
Position: Blocker
Number: 505
Years Experience: 1

QUESTIONS
When and why did you become a Roller Grrl?
I started attending practices June 2007. I'm from New Mexico, but came to the area when I got stationed in Lemoore for the Navy. I knew I loved the idea of roller derby and I knew I loved the idea of making new friends, but when I attended the Smog City vs. Bakersfield bout, I was hooked.

What's the meaning behind your roller derby name?
The "Mc" comes from my maiden name. The "Red" comes from my married name. To me it means the marriage of my past and my present.

What are the most challenging and most rewarding parts of roller derby?
Easy answer to both: Getting up after a hard fall. There is something very empowering to jumping up time and time again after taking a nasty spill. Not everyone can do it.

What other sports do you/would you play?
I've never been the athletic type, though I think I could give volleyball a whirl.

What's your life like outside of roller derby?
I was discharged from the Navy earlier this year and am fortunate enough to be able to focus on school to get into the nursing program at Fresno City College. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband who is not only supportive of my derby habit, but who contributes to it, as the coach.

What kind of reaction do you get from people when they find out you're involved in roller derby?
The most frequent reaction is definitely: "Do you get hurt?". It's like if I asked a football player if he ever got hurt. I think it's pretty silly.

In your opinion, what's the best thing about one of your bouts?
The best thing about any bout is hearing people cheer you on when you crash into them in the stands. I don't think they mind either.

To what do you attribute the team's massive following?
SCRG definitely gets out into the community. We give to different outreach organizations and try to get involved with public events whenever possible. It takes a wonderful PR grrl, Lola La Chola, to make it all possible.

It seems like many of the Smog City girls have their own individual looks. What's your style?
I like to call the style "Amanda", but most would describe it as the "Rockabilly Betty" look.

What's the worst injury you've gotten in roller derby?
I've been very lucky so far to not have been injured (knock on wood). I do, however, love my protective gear! My head has bounced off the track a few times and without my helmet, who knows where I'd be.

Who talks the best smack on the team?
That's a tough one. Many of us have mouths on us, but Dragon Bait has made some very memorable hand gestures. That's all I'll say.

Do you have male roller derby groupies?
Definitely. We wouldn't be where we are today had we not had the support and involvement of both men and women.

Do you find yourself throwing elbows in line at Starbucks sometimes?
No Starbucks for me, thanks, though I must admit my driving has become more ... aggressive.

What's it like after bouts when people want your autograph?
It's flattering of course, but I really get excited when young girls want autographs. I know what the sport has done for me and I hope others will have that same experience years down the road.

(Group photo by Jennifer Emerling)

SERIES INFO

Previously:
- Toni 2 Tone
- Hari Kari

Coming Thursday:
- Lola La Chola