Alohalinda Villanueva
by Rich Besser
Where were you born?
I was born in San Jose, California. My dad is from Hawaii, (North Shore) and my mom was born in Santa Cruz, California.
Do you remember when you put your first skates on?
I would say when I was about 11 or 12 years old. My Uncle took me and my brothers to a skating rink, (flat track). He took us until I was in high school.
When did you get serious about skating?
I would say when I was about 15 years old. I remembered watching Roller Derby on TV. I saw the game and I wanted to go to the training school. I would train in the afternoons and on weekends. At 16 years old, I was allowed to go to the training school as long as my high school studies didn't get in the way. I trained everyday.
Were you involved in any other skating sports?
No
What made you go into Roller Derby?
I enjoyed watching it on TV and wanted to be in the game.
What did you think of the track the first time you got on it?/
I thought at first that I could not do this. I was use to the flat track not a banked track. I had long hair and I frequently slid on the track. I had a hard time staying up.
How long did it take you to get on a professional team?
I would say 3 or 4 years. After high school, I think I was about 19 years old.
In chronological order what teams were you on?
Let see.... in mid May I was on the Red Devils with my Captain Ann Calvello. In October 1973, I went on the Pioneers with Captain Joan Weston. I traveled on the road with Buddy Atkinson Sr., and Delores Robinson. I then went on to the Nationals. I don't remember the name of the team, but I skated in Alaska. This was with Roller Games. In mid January of 1974, I went on the Tokyo Bombers. My last team was the Hawaiian Warriors in July of 1975. I skated for this team about a month and I went back onto the Tokyo Bombers in Japan and skated against the American team. This was for approximately 3 weeks. I then quit Roller Derby because my brother died in a motorcycle accident, so I decided to stay home and get a regular job!
Who taught you the game?
I learned the game on my own. However, Buddy Sr., was my trainer.
How did you get the name of the Hawaiian Pineapple?
Buddy Sr., gave me that name. You see, in the training school there were 3 Linda's on my team so Buddy had to distinguish which Linda he wanted. So, that's where he came up with that name.
Which was your favorite team you liked playing for?
Well, I liked skating for all my teams. I learned a lot with Calvello on the Red Devils, and also Weston on the Pioneers. However, I really enjoyed the Tokyo Bombers because they were a balanced team and also a young team. I got to do more on this team.
What was your opinion of Ann Calvello?
She was and still is one hell of a lady! She was punk rock before they even had invented punk rock! She was a great teacher!
What did you think of Joan Weston?
She too was a great teacher. I got to do more with Joanie.
Who was your toughest rival?
There were lots of skaters, but the toughest rival would be Jan Vallow! She would go after me a lot. Jan can really block me out!
Which did you prefer, skating with Games or Derby?
Well, I grew up with the Derby and trained with them, but I really liked the Tokyo Bombers, of Roller Games. They gave me more freedom, and I did more in the game!
How come you did not skate on the Red Devils in 1973, in NY's Madison Square Garden?
I don't know. They promoted me on TV that I was going to skate. Yet, they never contacted me.
How long did you skate professionally with the Derby?
I would say about two and half years. In March of 1974, I had broken my leg. Judy Sowinski clipped me and hit my skate when skating next to me. I fell down and broke my leg. When sent to the dressing room ready to go to the ambulance, Judy came to see how I was doing. She felt awful. I skated about 7 months later, but due to the motorcycle accident of my brother, that's when I decided to call it quits, and get a regular job.
If you would have continued skating for a Derby outfit, where would you see yourself skating today?
Oh, that is a hard one! Now we are fantasizing aren't we? Yes. I would say I would like to skate with Jan Vallow. I can learn so much from her! there is so much to learn out there.
What skater did you admire most?
I would still have to say, Jan Vallow ! I wish I could skate like her. She skates so effortless!
What do you think was your best skill in Derby?
Oh, gee, I don't know. I think it was that I tried to stay on my skates! Ha Ha! I tried to do the best that I could! I tried to follow my Captain's instructions.
Did you have a funny situation that happened to you or another skater?
Oh, Yes. This happened in Japan. There were these 2 little Tokyo female skaters. They had a match race with one of the American male skaters. I rather not say who this person is. This male skater was wearing street clothes and at the end of the match race all three skaters fell down on each other. This male skater was wearing polyester pants which was ripped off! They could not finish this match race because this skater did not have anymore clothes on. He had to run into the dressing room. This was so funny. Everyone was laughing. This guy was so embarrassed!
What was the worst thing that happened to you?
I would have to say when I broke my leg. As I said before, Sowinski felt very bad.
So, this was your only big injury?
Yes, I had broken my left leg in three places, and had torn some of my ligaments.
When you retired from skating, what did you do next?
I worked for an electric company. This was in Sunnyvale, California. I was a test operator and I worked on integrated circuits.
What are some of your hobbies?
I use to crochet, but now I cannot do that, due to having arthritis in my hand. In the early 90's, I was a Hawaiian dancer. I went to school for this. I did the Kahiko Dance. This has to do with chanting, and drumming and moving to the music. I also did the Auana Dance. This is more of a modern hula dance where you dance to modern music. We were called the "Gracious Ladies", and we were part of the modern dance. We had dancing competitions, and our dance team came in first place twice, and second place for different competition event throughout the year. These events took about 3 days to complete.
What do you think about yourself?
Well, I was shy when I was younger. Now, I am more out going!
What is happening to your life now?
Right now I am in a nursing facility for the past 2 and half months. Before that, I was in the hospital for four and a half months. I am a diabetic and my legs were swelling. They thought that one of my legs would have to be amputated. However, good news. The leg that was infected is slowly healing. I am feeling OK! I plan to be leaving this nursing home possibly in July.
What did you think of the fans?
Oh, I guess it depends on where you had skated. Japan fans are a lot different from the American fans. In Japan, if you do something that the fans didn't like, they become very quiet. In America, they would just boo you.
Are there any skaters or trainers you would like to thank?
Yes, I would like to thank, Buddy Sr. for helping me fulfill my dreams! I would also like to thank all those veteran skaters who I skated for, and against me. They were so patient with me as the new kid on the block. I would especially like to thank Ann Calvello, Joanie Weston and Jan Vallow. They had showed me the knowledge and the wisdom on the track!
Well, thank you Alohalinda for doing this interview. You are a joy to interview. Oh, by the way you spoke very clearly and seem very comfortable. You did a great job of answering these interview questions that made up for when you were interviewed on TV over 30 years ago. No fumbling words here! Take care and make a speedy recovery!