#9 Caja Pain

#9 C’Aja Pain

When did you join Cajun Rollergirls?
July 2013

What is your day job?
Being awesome. Seriously though, anyone know of an admin job for me?

How did you get involved with roller derby?
While living in Seattle (where I am from), I was a barista at a drive through espresso stand. A few of the derby girls there were my regular customers. They kept telling me I should join, but I woke up at the ass crack of dawn, so making practice was never an option. Long awesome story short, I moved to Louisiana, saw my first bout, and told myself, DAMN!! I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE!!

Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name and number.
It was hard to think of a name, so I asked my friends on Facebook. Since my real name is Aja, C’Aja Pain just worked too perfectly. As far as my number, (9mil) that’s what you’ll be staring down if you break into my house at night, so…

What is your favorite (derby) position?
Blocker. I’m kind of like a bull in a china shop when I try to jam.

What is your skate gear of choice?
I absolutely LOVE my Luigino Q-4s. They were love at first skate.

Do you have any pre-bout rituals?
I relax to the lovely sounds of Pantera, Five Finger Death Punch, Sevendust, Deftones, StoneSour, etc. while I paint on my war face.

Do you have an inner theme song?
30/30-150 by StoneSour

Please share your best derby moment (or moments).
Passing my 27/5 for the first time. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without Psycho and my hubby pushing me to go faster.

Who are your derby heroes?
Everyone who has the lady balls to get out here, push their body to its limits and give it all they have. They get beat up, sometimes they get broken bones, hurt bodies and keep a smile on their face and derby love in their hearts. I freaking love derby.

Do you have a motivational quote?
Do what you love. Love what you do.

What goes through your brain as you lace up your skates?
Why, after two years of doing this do I still get butterflies in my tummy??

Do you have a signature move?
It’s totally amazing. I call it the try-not-to-fall-on-my-ass-all-the-time. It’s seriously a super technical move. You’ve probably never heard of it…

How would you describe your derby playing style?
Try my damnedest to stay focused…..OH SHINY!!

What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I was awesome at skating when I was like 8 (which was the last time I had skated before I joined derby). I could totally almost skate a whole lap without falling. Jealous??

Did you play roller derby prior to joining CRG?
Yes. I started my derby career with Acadiana Roller Girls. Love those ladies!!!! MWUAH!! Can’t wait to see you ladies on the track. I’ll be wearing the Cajun jersey.

Did your background make you a natural fit in assisting with your training?
Um. No. Opposite actually.

What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
I got a team spirit award last year…so, does that count??

Off the track?
I also got an award for most likely to kick ass in 2013, which I think is secret squirrel for keep trying. You’re getting better.

How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
It has given me a group of friends that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I keep moving, so I don’t know anybody here except my derby family. It’s kind of amazing that you can travel anywhere and know that if you hook up with some derby girls, you will have a common love, and a DAMN GOOD TIME!

How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
The couch helps me balance horizontally.

Any advice for girls who want to join roller derby?
DO IT!!! It is the most rewarding, fulfilling sport I have ever been a part of. You’ll see what I mean. C’mon. I promise we don’t bite…

Anyone you’d like to take the opportunity to thank?
My hubby, Brawn Jeremy,  for supporting me constantly. He always pushes me to be better, keeps a smile on my face, and tells me to keep going when I want to give up. I wouldn’t be the badass I am today without him.

Do you have a special message to your fans?
Huh bruh… I don’t even know what that means but it makes me laugh…