“Lady Justice” Marisol McKee is a former singles champion. She also competed in the teams division. Drafted by Shannon Barney in the 2020 Schmoedown draft, she was a member of KOrruption during Season 7: The New Era, Season 8: War, and Season 9: Reboot. Here are her reflections on the show we all love, in her own words.
Looking back on the Schmoedown, what is the most memorable moment that you were personally involved in?
Most memorable? Becoming the first woman to win the Singles belt is hard to top. It’s never been about proving girls could “hang with the boys” for me. There’s nothing to prove. It was simply about celebrating that it finally happened. Sharing that joy with the community will live on rent-free for the rest of my days.
What is the most memorable moment that you were not involved in?
Maaaaaybe this is cheating because I was technically involved behind the scenes, but Adam Collins’ Singles tournament champion run is the most impressive feat a brand new competitor has ever done. The connection that blossomed from that time cements it as all the more memorable for me.
Which of your matches would you say is the best you played?
Not to double-dip, but my best-played match was my first championship win, against Ethan Erwin. I had to swallow nerves I’d never felt before. After my first few stumbles in Round 1, I knew I had to go big or go home on every decision moving forward in order to catch back up – trust my gut in Round 2, avoid check downs, capitalize if he missed, bet 3 in the betting round.
Which match that didn’t involve you would you say is the best you ever saw?
Dan Murrell vs Adam Collins 1. The constant difficulty of the questions and how expertly both of them maneuvered each round makes that match the most pound-for-pound impressive jawn I’ve ever seen in the Singles Division.
How would you describe the Schmoedown’s impact on you?
The impact on me is immeasurable. Before the Schmoedown, the way in which I enjoyed film had always been inhibited (maybe to a fault), very solitary. I didn’t embrace there were more ways to engage. Once I decided to take a leap into the game myself, love of film became a full-blown lifestyle. I felt like I finally found the Shire and I never want to leave.
What will you miss most about the Schmoedown?
The living, breathing community of it all. I can find ways to answer trivia questions till the end of the time. I can’t go back to the LA Studio, say a quick hi to Jenn, bear hug Silvestrini, catch a brainstorm from Kristian as he zips by, laugh and guess answers in the audience with Chandru, toast drinks later with Samm and Rachel….beyond the physical, I’ll miss that a sport united many people I’ve been lucky enough to get to know and many more I may never get to. It’s a comfort above all else to know that a network of such terrific people exists and I hope it blossoms into new forms.
Marisol McKee can be found on Twitter @Marisol_Miriah.
