 It's a true sport. I mean, these girls are really competing. The hits are real. When you fall to the ground, it's real. Ivana is a prime example of one kind of woman attracted to the sport. Before roller derby, she had never participated in a team sport. Others at this gathering sought out roller derby as an extension of a sporting life they had in high school and college, like Kristen Smith. She says her family watched last year's program on A&E and told her she'd be a perfect fit. I've always played sports. Yeah, I can't believe it.