MORE THAN READY TO ROLL

Today’s roller derby has seen a return to athleticism, with an emphasis on skill. The women who compete in the Calgary Roller Derby Association enjoy the social side of the sport and, yes, the showmanship, but make no mistake — they’re talented athletes w

Carla Walquist Stage name: Scarla Maim (from earning a pretty good scar on her shin when learning to skate behind the Kane’s Harley-Davidson shop in Inglewood.) Years skated: Ten. She’s a founding member of league and cocaptain of the Thrashin’ Lassies. Outfit: Team jersey. Why do it?: “It’s a really hard sport to play, very physical with a lot of rules. You have to be really committed to stick with it.”

Katie Corbett Stage name: Norwegian Blue (from the Monty Python dead parrot skit.) Years skated: First full season with the B52 Bellas. Outfit: Military-style pin-up girl. Why do it?: “I work for EMS and fire (which is male dominated) and I have brothers, so I’ve always been ‘the girl’. It’s not as cool as it sounds. I wanted a sport where I was ‘one of’ the girls. And these are the most welcoming, amazing group of women I’ve ever met in my life.”

Lindsey Searle Stage name: Kiki Tiki Bang Bang (“I have a love of kitschy things, like tiki mugs and tiki bars.”) Years skated: Nine. She’s co-captain of the B52 Bellas. Outfit: Team jersey. Why do it?: “It’s such a family, I love the community. It’s really helped with self-esteem and confidence. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Jodi Rempel Stage name: Novel Blonde (an avid reader whose husband calls her Blondie.) Years skated: Six. She’s co-captain of the Cut Throat Car Hops. Outfit: Team jersey and black bottoms. Why do it?: It seemed like not something people would expect from me. ... What you may be in your day job is not necessarily what you need to be on the track. People who tend to be introverted become these extroverts or leaders or mentors. It’s interesting to see people develop these skill sets.”

Natasha Sayer Stage name: Thrashin’ Tash (“I just wanted something that had my name in it.”) Years skated: It’s her second season. She’s with the Jane Deere B travel team and Cut Throat Car Hops. Outfit: Team jersey. Why do it?: “I was looking for a sport I could do all year that would be great exercise. It’s a fantastic sport and, because it’s a female sport, it’s so empowering for girls. I’d like to have a role in that, and perhaps coach when I’m done playing.”