Published on September 28th, 2011 | by DerbyLife

Meet Team USA: Amanda Jamitinya

Name
Laura Mann a.k.a. Amanda Jamitinya

League Affiliation
Rocky Mountain Rollergirls

Years Skating
5 years

DL: What was your previous athletic background, if any?
AJ: I competed in artistic figure skating (on ice), pairs skating, and ice dancing from age 4 to 15.

DL: Why did you want to be on Team USA?
AJ: I really liked the idea of skating on a team comprised of the best of the best in the nation with the goal of international competition. The tryout process seemed very fair and at first I was a little nervous to fail, but you never know unless you try. Recently, I got to meet derby girls from all over Europe and Australia, and seeing their excitement and positivity was really refreshing. I just can’t wait to get to watch ladies from all over the world skate and come together for this event that will certainly make history!

DL: How did you feel when you found out you had made it?
AJ: Super flattered and excited to represent our awesome country!

DL: Which skater inspires you most, and why?
AJ: Well, I moved to Colorado to skate with DeRanged. She inspires me to skate harder and to be the best skater I can be.

DL: Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out?
AJ: Go to practice as much as possible and make the most out of every experience.