Tomato Tornado

How did you come up with your derby name and number?
I called in reinforcements. I threw a bi-coastal party that involved my friends and I on the East Coast (I was in RI at the time) and my sister and her friends on the West Coast. Between the most brilliant, creative minds from the center of my world to the outer rippling of my universe and a smashing good time, Tomato Tornado was born courtesy of Marty G. It’s literal meaning is a ripe feminine destructive, twirling, force of nature. As for the number, what else could possibly represent a whirlwind tomato other than V8?

Who is your derby idol?
Without hesitation and in no particular order: Rice Rocket TRG, Betty Ford Galaxy RCRG, Sally Von Trample and Mae Lay TTRB, Dolly Rocket (she was in PRD when I knew her), and Wheelin Banshee SDDD.

Besides skating, what service do you provide to the league and the community?
I coach for the league: consistently for the Peeps, sporadically elsewhere as I’m needed, serve on the CPC, Big Bird, and hold a key for the warehouse. As for the community, I’m fortunate to be skating for TTRB as part of our mission includes community service I have been able to participate in a variety of charitable causes through my league.

How has derby improved your life?
What I’ve gotten from derby is so much more than the obvious. Clearly better health, stronger sense of self, greater ability to coordinate stripey socks and glitter into all fashion arenas, but I have also gained greater perspective on what matters, what is beautiful, how I define strong. I’ve learned to enjoy the process more than before. I’ve learned to set goals, small and large, and then revel in achieving them. There is not an aspect of my life that derby has not touched in a positive manner and I am grateful.

What do you do with your time, other than derby?
I live in Seattle, Washington which is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I spend much of my free time exploring natural spaces and photographing them. I travel when I can, near or far, to see friends, family or something beautiful. I also make a line of organic jams which takes much of my free time during the growing season. And I’m always, always up for and adventure and I usually find one too!

If you could give any advice to a new or interested skater, what would it be?
Derby is not comparative. It remains a singular experience within a team dynamic. Every single person, personality, body type, skill set, and mind set has a place in derby and that placement is fluid. Revel in your own process, your own experience and be honest about where you are and where you want to be. Ask for advice constantly, and then implement it. Maybe it will work, maybe not. But try everything and remember to enjoy your personal experience.

What are your likes?
Glitter, butterflies, the sound of fishnets ripping, natural spaces, kick rail turns, eight wheels rolling on the banked track, sunshine, looking over my shoulder, cats, the empty space next to me after I’ve knocked someone down, flippy skirts, blood on the track, shiny things…the usual.

What is your favorite color?
Glitter. That’s a color right?

What is your beverage of choice?
Water. Red Wine. Sweet tea.

If you could be anything other than human, what would you be?
I roll with the derby, what makes you think I’m human?