A Smithers teen is headed to the international stage this year to compete in what was once considered a fringe sport: The world cup of roller derby.

Elise St-Onge has been rolling with the Bulkey Valley Bruisers since she was 13 and, over the past year, had an opportunity to train and practice with the Canadian National team before being selected to take part in the world cup.

"Being selected for the national team was a huge surprise, so I'm just excited to play against some other great teams," St-Onge said.

But St-Onge’s success comes after years of development with the BV Bruisers and also the opportunities that have grow out of BC’s own roller derby league and the rapid growth of the sport especially here in Northern BC.

Nadine Cunningham and Anne Kri have been helping to develop the BV Bruisers for the last four years and say this year the team is finally ready to take on the competition. Kicking off the season against the Prince George Rollergirls at the end of May.

Listen to the full interviews below.