Roller Derby Superstar: Freight Train (Tinisha Bonaby)
- Bo Maxwell
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
AWSN Power Player: Freight Train / Tinisha Bonaby (Roller Derby Superstar)
Tinisha Bonaby—known in skating circles as Freight Train—is a dynamic and accomplished roller athlete teaching rhythm skating, roller derby, and skate fitness. Born in Houston, TX, Tinisha’s passion for skating ignited at just two years old, accompanying her father to roller rinks almost every weekend. Over more than three decades, she’s honed her craft in rhythm and dance skating, blending movement and flow into a signature style.
Tinisha is a seasoned roller derby player and coach. She began refereeing in Houston Roller Derby in 2011 and earned a roster spot with the Texas Rollergirls in 2015, primarily as a jammer. Since 2014, she’s coached at BeatMe Halfway and has traveled internationally—training over 100 leagues across North America, Europe, Australia, and Iceland. She’s also been a fixture at major derby events like Rollercon, Eurocon, Camp Skate, and EVRD Bootcamp.
Her on‑track achievements are equally impressive: Tinisha has 13 seasons under her belt, competed in over 50 U.S. tournaments, earned 4 WFTDA medals (one gold, three silver), and captained Team USA Roller Derby in 2022. In 2018, she was named MVP of the WFTDA Playoffs in Atlanta.
AWSN: How did you come up with your roller derby name? Is there a story behind it?
Freight Train: My roller derby name was given to me by another skater from my league. I was jamming and came crashing into the pack, and everyone fell to the floor. My teammate said, 'If you don’t have a name yet, we’re just going to call you Freight Train!’ It stuck!
AWSN: If someone’s never seen you play, how would you describe your style in one word—and why?
Freight Train: They would say my play style is physical, rather than always jumping, juking, and avoiding people; I have a tendency to come right at you! Hitting people to move them out of the way.
What’s the moment you knew you were really good at this sport?
Freight Train: I knew I was getting good at the sport when I started to get recognition from other players and teams about my play style, and eventually, being asked to start coaching.
What’s your proudest moment on the track so far—and what made it unforgettable?
One of my proudest moments was skating for USA Roller Derby at the Roller Derby World Cup in Austria. It was sort of the last piece of my 14-year derby story that was missing. It was unforgettable because I got a chance to meet a lot of my fans from all over the world, we played in front of a huge crowd, and there we a lot of fun shared moments on the track with my team/coaches.
If your playing style was a song or theme music, what would it be?
Everyone loves to play Quad City DJ’s C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train) as my theme song. I think it’s a great song.
What sets you apart from other players in the league—what’s your “superpower” on skates?
My superpower on skates is my strength, power, and ability to adapt to any situation. I have a positive attitude and know how to decipher any challenge that might come my way.
What does roller derby mean to you on a personal level? Has it changed you?
I don’t think roller derby itself has changed me as a person. If anything, it opened up my mind to new perspectives, travels, and friendships. I wasn’t aware you can just travel to travel or travel to play sports recreationally, that wasn’t a part of my upbringing.
How do you mentally prepare before a bout? Any rituals, mantras, or hype-up routines?
I like listening to music and doing a little dance skating before most games.
How do you balance being fierce and fearless on the track with life outside the rink?
What’s interesting is I own a small pet transport business called Transporter Tinisha Delivers, and it has helped me amass the freedom to be available to travel to all my games, practices, and tournaments at my leisure. I’ve been in operation full-time for a few years now, and I feel very fortunate to have such an opportunity.
With that said, I travel all across the country, driving around delivering animals and going to derby events. There are times when there are tournaments near, and I do my best to practice more with my teammates by flying into practice or scheduling jobs out that way.
Overall, I manage pretty well as most of my life revolves around skating. I teach roller derby, dance skating (Sk8wTinsha Skate Lessons), and, on occasion, Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics.
Nowadays, I gravitate towards teams that have a flexible policy so I can continue expanding my business and skate at the same time.
If we made a movie about your derby career, what would the title be and who would play you?
Railroad Crossings: Life On and Off the Track. It’ll be an interesting movie indeed! I’m not particularly sure who would play me, but I need someone who’s the strong, silent type. Relentless, determined, and a self-starter! Tell Whoopi to help me out! 🙂
What advice would you give to girls watching you who might be nervous to try something bold or intense like roller derby?
Sometimes the hardest challenges lead to the greatest outcomes. Give your interests a try and see what happens! You know whose/what path you might cross, changing your life forever!
Who’s a woman in sports that inspires you, and why?
Typically, my answer would be “I don’t know,” but you know what, I really enjoyed the story of Jade Cargill. I’ve been following her journey to becoming a WWE wrestler for a while, and she made it! I’ve watched that unfold for a few years now, and I don’t even watch wrestling much! Good on her! Not sure if this answered the question exactly, but I think it works!
Finish this sentence: “When I put on my skates, I feel like ______.”
I feel like I’m going on an adventure!
She's more than just an indomitable athlete, she's a coach. Her teaching career in Austin, TX dates back to 2017 under the name “Rhythm Skate Lessons with Tinisha,” evolving into the rebranded Sk8wTinisha Skate Lessons in 2021. She currently offers a variety of in‑person classes—from beginner learn‑to‑skate sessions to advanced rhythm–dance routines, as well as specialized formats like “Sk8 Dance Crew,” “Sk8 Dance Kickboxing,” and combined "Sk8s & Weights" workouts. Additionally, she leads fun, interactive online programs to expand her reach beyond Texas.
Today, Tinisha’s mission is clear—to share the joy of skating with people of all ages and abilities, demonstrating that it’s never too late to start. Her blend of energy, expertise, and enthusiasm make her both a trusted instructor and inspiring role model—whether on wheels in a studio, rink, or derby track.
Connect with Freight Train Here
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ahsinity
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freight.train22
