That's right, America's Finest City has finally jumped on the national bandwagon, joining a coast-to-coast resurgence of the sports entertainment phenomenon that is roller derby. But today's derby girls aren't the spandex-clad pro wrestling types you might associate with the roller derby of the past. Infused with punk rock sensibility and do-it-yourself business smarts, they're a diverse group of women who have been spearheading an amateur revival of the sport, complete with on-rink brawls and plenty of bruises.

The San Diego offshoot of the derby movement began practicing on July 13 and are now over 40 strong. They have focused their recruitment efforts online through sites like craigslist and myspace (You can check out their profile at http://www.myspace.com/sandiegoderbydolls.) and fundraisers at local bars. The league is engaged in "hard-core, relentless training" in anticipation of their first season.

For many league members, SDDD is a welcome break from the realities of cubicle life. "The women come from diverse backgrounds, but a lot of them have corporate jobs," says Stroir. "They come to practice in heels and business suits and strip down to dirty pads and stinky sweats—it's awesome!"

Grueling drills prepare players for one of three positions in roller derby. The full contact sport features two opposing teams trying to assist their "jammers" (scoring players) through the pack while preventing the other team's jammer from doing the same. The result—spectacular falls, incredible feats of speed, and epic pile-ups.

Players wear full protective gear and—sorry, Rollerbladers—skate on old-fashioned quad skates. Competition in leagues across the country features outlandish, sexy costumes. Stroir, however, insists that this sport isn't just about short skirts and catfights. It's about empowering female athletes, many of whom come to derby with little or no athletic experience.

"America needs strong feminine role models for our young girls growing up,” asserts Stroir. They need women they can look up to for something besides sexuality, and through roller derby, an image of  power and prowess is taking over, in addition to sexuality."

Interested? The only requirements are the ability to skate on quads or the willingness to learn how, time to commit to the league, and a fearsome attitude. So next time you see a San Diego woman with skate bag in hand, don't assume she's off to the figure-skating finals. If she has an alter ego like SDDD members Pippi Broadknockings, Karma Electra or Fighty Aphrodite, she's likely to be off to the rink for a chance to flex her newfound derby muscle, as well as a sense of empowerment that promises to send quiet San Diego running for cover.

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