Athlete Spotlight: Lauryn Tacoronte
Today we're unveiling a new feature on #hairupgameon called The Spotlight - where we'll be featuring our favorite athletes, coaches, and trainers. In these interviews, we'll get to learn more about their athletic backgrounds, favorite workout hair styles, and other hair care secrets.
In our first ever Athlete Spotlight, we're interviewing Lauryn Tacoronte, aka Lady Fingers, who rocks #5 for the Brooklyn Bombshells.
What's your deal, girl!?
I'm a long time athlete and sports lover. My heart lies in full contact sports, of which I've played rugby, wrestled and now roller derby. My hand-eye coordination isn't the greatest, so I stick to what I'm good at, physical contact.
Roller derby, eh? Please tell us more...
I've been playing roller derby since 2009. I was first introduced by a friend, someone who knew I played rugby in college and thought I'd like roller derby. Boy was she right! It was love at first sight.
I had been out of college for a little while and was really missing playing in a team sport. After watching my first bout, the very next week I bought skates and went through the painstaking process of re-learning how to roller skate. Although I was initially Bambi on skates, Gotham Girls Roller Derby saw something in me and inducted me into the league.
Which teams have you played on?
I've played for several teams including the Brooklyn Bombshells and one of our travel teams the Wall Street Traitors. I've been around long enough to have played every position: jammer, blocker, pivot, track leader. I'm currently one of our primary track leaders, basically the QB on the track. Through the years I've won MVP after a few bouts, along with other league awards including MVP for the Wall Street Traitors and Most Improved.
Favorite workout hair style?
My go-to hairstyle is likely a low ponytail. All derby players wear helmets during play, so it gets a little limiting on hair style. Every few years I grow my hair out for donation so my hairstyles range from untied when it's short to the very necessary braid or french braid when it's long. There's nothing worse than having sweaty hair sticking to your face and neck.
What's your take on the saying, 'look good, feel good'?
I take "look good, feel good" to relate to strength and confidence. When you're training for a sport, a marathon, whatever, one becomes hyper focused on their performance and goal achievements. I "look good" when I come off the track or out of a scrimmage feeling strong and like I played my smartest game. Times when my training is really paying off and I notice my improvements. That makes me feel damn good.
The people want to know... how often do you wash your hair?
I wash my hair every 3 days. If a practice day should fall in between that time, I'll wash it that day. The helmet makes your head awfully sweaty.
Shampoo - yes or no?
I was "no poo-ing" for about 2 years. I'd use this natural bar derived from saponified oils and follow it up with an apple cider vinegar rinse. I recently switched back to shampooing and am really liking Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavendar Shampoo. It's vegan, has no phthalates, parabens, harsh sulfates, synthetic colors or fragrances, GMOs and is biodegradable. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect hippie shampoo that is both good for your hair and for the environment.
Thank you, Lauryn, for being featured in our Athlete Spotlight and being an all-around badass on wheels!
interested in learning more about Gotham Girls Roller Derby? You're in luck! Their 2017 Derbytaunt Ball is happening on February 18th at 8pm. Check out the draft results, meet new skaters, and get crazy.
Hair Up, Game On,
Shelly
