This is not your mother's roller derby league.

"Roller derby is a lot different than what it was in the 60's and 70's," said 16-year-old Natalie Fulle. "It's not as violent. It's
more strategy based."

"When older people hear about roller derby they think of tough women with a lot of tattoos," said Fulle. "It's come a long way from what
it's been."

Fulle, a student at Grace Christian School, skates with the Tampa Bay Junior Derby All-Stars. With a chance to make Nationals, the Junior Roller
Derby Association held their South and Southeast regional championship in Tampa at Downtown Skate.

"We started this junior league, which is one of the first junior leagues in Florida, Tampa Roller Derby in 2010," said Lisa Ponssa, the Tampa Bay Junior Derby All-Star head coach.

"I mean I have seen some of these kids grow up in this sport and it's really amazing. The culture of roller derby is really accepting. It's very empowering for women."

The young skaters range from age eight through 18. Do not be fooled.

"When I hit someone, it's like going in for the kill," said Tabitha Fulle, Natalie's older sister.

"It's very physical and it's a full contact sports," said Junior Roller Derby Association president, Tanya Procknow. "It's one of the only full contact sports that we have available for girls."

"It's a real sport," said Ponssa. "These are real athletes out here doing what they do."

Junior derby is redefining the term "Girl Power." However, it is about so much more than physical strength.

"It gives us a lot of confidence," said Tabitha. "Derby really isn't for the weak."

"I'm normally a really shy, quite person," said Natalie. "I feel like I can just let myself go a little bit when I am on the track."

"No matter where you go in the world there is another roller derby team," said Ponssa.

"We really treat each other like brothers and sisters, so to speak. The girls definitely leave with a better sense of self confidence and awareness of who they are."

The next step is the National Tournament in Daytona August 6-10.  The Tampa Bay Junior All-Stars guaranteed themselves a spot by placing second in the JRDA regional tournament.