-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Tristin Doster

From the first day Tristin Doster stepped onto the softball field she fell in love with the game, and that passion has grown as she has turned herself into one of the best catchers in the state.

Doster, Fort Dodge’s senior backstop, began playing at 12 years old for Fort Dodge Pride, and has put in countless hours to improve at the game that has meant so much to her.

“I found a passion for playing as soon as I started playing competitively,” Doster said. “I knew I had potential, so this drove me to put in countless hours of work throughout my high school years.

“I never settle with any successes and understand that I can always improve and I think that is a mindset that motivates me everyday.”

Doster has put up gaudy numbers in her five-year Dodger career.

Last season as a junior, she led the state in total bases (95), was second in RBI (44) to teammate Loghen Schnetzer. She was also fourth in the state in runs with 45.

In her career she is batting .416 with 217 hits. She has scored 163 runs and driven in 163.

Doster, a future University of Iowa player, has blasted 27 career home runs. She is only seven behind Fort Dodge’s all-time home run leader, Schnetzer (34).

The Dodger senior, who has been a first-team All-Stater the past two seasons, isn’t worried about the numbers, she is only focused on helping Fort Dodge bring home a state title.

Fort Dodge had that championship at the tip of the fingers a year ago, losing to Cedar Rapids Kennedy in the Class 5A state finals.

“Reaching the finals was a huge accomplishment,” Doster said. “It showed that we are among the elite teams and have a target on our back. Most importantly it showed we can compete and beat anyone when we work as a team.

“However, losing the game brought all of the motivation we needed. It gave us a taste of being champions, but left a bitter taste in our mouths having not achieved it. We have nearly the exact same group that made it to the finals last year, so the drive to get back is equally shared among all of us.”

With all of the time and effort put in getting better, the Dodger softball team has formed a bond and has built a family atmosphere in the dugout.

“We have played together for the majority of our softball careers,” Doster said. “We are all part of a big family together and have a clear vision of what we want to achieve and what we collectively need to do to get there.

“Our team is so close because of the chemistry we share. We have played together for years and developed close relationships on and off the field. We all understand the importance of having each other’s back and this allows us to constantly build each other up and show selfless excitement for the successes of each other.”

Doster has given all that she has on the diamond and being a Dodger has been a part of her.

“I believe that being a Dodger is just a constant display of hard work,” Doster said. “We come from a small town and work hard for the things we have.

“We are not always backed up by the biggest numbers or talent, but we outwork many people and I believe that is a common trait for all Dodgers.”

Doster will major in elementary education at Iowa.

Vacation destination: Greece.

People I would like to have dinner with: Leonardo DiCaprio.

It would surprise people that I: started softball when I was 12.

My sports role model:

my father.

My everyday role model: my mother.

I can’t go a day without: watching TikTok.

Nickname: TK

Most heated rivalry:

Waukee or Ankeny.

Favorite road trip: Jeep rides.

What are you listening to right now? anything country.

Favorites…

Team: USSSA Pride (pro).

Class: Cooking Class.

Movie: Step Brothers.

Book: Champions Mindset.

Phone app: TikTok.