Medical interpreter by day, derby girl by night — known as Brew HaHa! when she laces up her skates — the Salt Lake City resident founded the Salt City Derby Girls a year ago because it was something she always wanted to do.

Broken up into four different teams, the league has a total of 60 participants. From ages 18 to 43, women from all walks of life have joined in this fast-paced sport.

With two teams racing on a premeasured track, one woman from each team races around the course while the other four from each team battle to keep their opponent from making it to the finish line.

Brew HaHa! said the league is diverse because of all the different women that have become involved. There are single women, married women, divorced women and single moms.

"Being in derby has made me a lot more understanding toward other people's needs," Brew HaHa! said.

One of the skaters, Bam Malicious, is a married mother of two as well as a payroll manager. During the day, life is busy. Between work and putting a lot of her energy into taking care of her 8-year-old autistic son, she gets tired. She said she got involved with the league because she had never really been active and it gives her an outlet to get her frustrations out.

"I think it (roller derby) makes you a better person because you're taking all that energy and doing something with it," Bam Malicious said. "It has made me a better co-worker and a better mom."

Other reasons why she enjoys derby is because it's fun and it makes her feel younger.

"You get to wear fishnets and short skirts — it's a totally different character from your outside life," Bam Malicious said.

Keg McMuff Inn, an accountant for a retail company, is a single 28-year-old Salt Lake City resident who has been skating in the league since May.

Keg McMuff Inn said she decided to skate with SCDG because it was something to do and she's always enjoyed roller skating.

"It's totally a double life," Keg McMuff Inn said. "Your total alter ego comes out when you're skating."

Keg McMuff Inn said she loves to skate because of the feeling of freedom that comes with every roll of the wheel.

Although roller derby is an aggressive sport, the women who found it not to be their thing still support the league and attend the races. Brew HaHa! said those who are involved are dedicated women.

"Everyone is there for roller derby and they support each other through that," Brew HaHa! said. "It changes you — it really becomes a lifestyle."

Brew HaHa! said there is a league in major cities across the nation. The sport has also sprung up internationally.

SCDG does not have its own practice facility. Practices and races are at Hollywood Connections and Taylorsville Recreation Center. The next game is Sept. 30, and admission is $10 for anyone over 5 years old. The team is currently in negotiations for a permanent home and will announce the location soon.

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