Someone call NASA, because this week’s featured skater is out of this world! Cosmo Pain is a new addition to the Cornfed Derby Dames, but underestimate her and you’ll be sorry. Cosmo is a star jammer for The Missfits, Cornfed’s premier B-team, and has jammed with the A team as well. “It’s a great experience being on the B-Team, especially since the A-Team is so supportive and active in our progress – helping us at practice, scrimmages, and bouts. I get the experience I need on the B-Team to help me improve.” Cosmo joined Cornfed about 6 months ago at one of our new skater clinics. Although we’d like to believe that Cosmo joined due to Cornfed’s obvious allure and magnetism, we actually have a few ladies from Arlen, Texas to thank. “I knew about derby for a few years, but I never thought it was for me until I watched the King of the Hill episode when Peggy and Luanne joined a roller derby league. I used to skate all the time when I was younger (starting at 3 or 4 years old) and I missed it so I decided to attend the new skater clinic. After that I was hooked.”
It’s hard not to be hooked on roller derby. Our sport is so mentally and physically demanding, but that kind of pressure can sometimes bring to the surface skills that people don’t even know they have before derby. For Cosmo, that skill was her crazy, bone-breaking, booty bruising strength. “I remember when a fellow teammate, U.S.Amee, said I was (physically) strong. No one has ever used those words to describe me before derby.” Let’s just say that if you enjoy trying to walk through brick walls, you’ll really like playing against Cosmo.
Cosmo is constantly working hard to improve her skills, not only for herself, but for her team. “Derby has helped give me a reason to work out harder: becoming stronger, gaining endurance, and losing some fat and gaining muscle along the way. It’s a hobby, it’s a lifestyle change, and it’s a community I’m now a part of.”
The derbyverse isn’t the only community Cosmo is a part of. When she’s not pushing through blockers, Cosmo is busy controlling the planets. Well, kind of. “Most of my time is spent being the Assistant Planetarium Director of the Brown Planetarium at Ball State University – the largest planetarium in Indiana – and being the Technology Chair for the Great Lakes Planetarium Association’s Executive Committee.” When she’s not doing that, she spends time with her husband, cats and Netflix.
Cosmo is a dedicated skater, and often comes to practice early to work on her own and focus on what she wants to get out of each practice. “I usually think about what things I want to work on for the day: foot work, communication, breathing…” She is inspired by her team mates and with their encouragement and insight, she continues to get even better every day. “I love the passionate, strong people that make up the entire roller derby community. Their motivation keeps mine strong.”
Cornfed’s motivation this season is higher than ever. On April 3rd, the Cornfed Derby Dame Muncie Missfits take on The Circle City Party Crashers at Gibson Arena. This is part of Cornfed’s second double-header, with the All-stars playing right after against the Chicago Outfit Shade Brigade. Doors open at 3pm and tickets at the door are $10 per person or $8 in advance through Brown Paper Tickets or from any Cornfed Derby Dame. College students are just $5 with an ID and children ages 10 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket (limit two children), which is a crazy good deal for two bouts! Don’t space this event, come see Cosmo in action!