Yet Bennett will never forget the years and memories basketball afforded her as a second love in her athletic life.

“I always forget how much basketball means to me until I step on that court for the first time again each season,” Bennett admitted. “It’s so hard to think that my basketball career is over now. I’ve played for more than 10 years, and have loved the sport since I first held a ball.

“It’s so sad to think I will never be stepping on that court in a Dodger jersey ever again.”

For a “secondary” sport, Bennett more than fit the bill. The point guard became the first player in 5-on-5 school history to have 300 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in a single season as Fort Dodge went 9-13 overall, bowing out in the regional semifinals last Saturday night.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Tory Bennett of Fort Dodge steals third base against Dallas Center-Grimes last summer at Rogers Park.

“What I will remember most about my basketball career is the overall improvement that we made since freshman year,” said Bennett, who had an FDSH-record 115 assists in 2021-22. “We were all so tiny and out-sized as freshmen, which made it difficult to compete with the CIML schools (the Dodgers went 2-20 in 2018-19). But as we got older and bigger, it was fun to be able to compete with those teams that stomped us three or four years ago.”

Bennett, a four-year starter, closed her hoop career fifth among Dodger scorers at 865 points.

“I’m humbled to have my name included in lists with some of the most elite and legendary past Fort Dodge girls basketball players,” said Bennett, a third team all-state selection for the state queens last summer. “For me, it was never about breaking records. It was about competing with my teammates to try to become not only good players, but good role models in the community.

“Basketball is not all about who can score the most points, though. I would give up any amount of my points if it meant we could win a couple more games. Assists and rebounds are just as important in the books.”

Bennett broke Lisa Jorgensen’s career record for assists at FDSH with 310. She also ranks in the program’s Top-10 for rebounds all-time.

“Playing multiple sports has it’s obvious benefits, as each sport prepares you for the next and each sport helps you build skills that could could help you in another,” said Bennett, who has also lettered in track and volleyball. “Even more importantly is the life lessons and perseverance that is unique to each sport. But the absolute biggest benefit of playing multiple sports is the unexpected friendships that will last a lifetime.

“Almost all of my memories come from locker room dance parties, bus rides, and games. The endless Tik Toks, inside jokes, and laughing with my teammates on the bench during games is something I will truly never forget.”

Track is next for Bennett before the Dodgers try and defend their 5A title on the diamond. Last year, Bennett hit .455 with 36 RBI, 50 runs and 26 stolen bases as Fort Dodge won its first-ever softball crown.

“Starting track practice soon, my biggest goal is to continue to get faster and remain healthy,” said Bennett, the younger sister of former Simpson College softball player Madi Bennett and current Hawkeye wrestler Drew Bennett. “Last year, coming into districts, we were favored in three of my events to make it to state. In my very first race of the meet, I got injured, which ended my track season. I would like to get the state track experience before I graduate and qualify some events.

“As softball approaches, we know we have some rebuilding to do, but I believe our core is strong enough to lead us to another state title. There would be no better way to go out than (as) back-to-back champs. I’ve been training hard with hopes to have my best softball season yet.”

Bennett will spend the next — and final — four months as a Dodger seeking both success and closure as she writes the final chapter of her family’s storybook run in Fort Dodge.

“From the time I was just a little bat girl (at FDSH) watching my sister and the Dodgers play, I dreamed of wearing that uniform one day,” Bennett said. “Some of my best memories were made at Pride tournaments with my best friends. With Madi being one of my biggest role models and watching her continue to play softball in college, I got an inside look at what it’s like to play at the next level. I knew that is what I wanted to do.

“I would tell (future Dodgers) to soak up every moment — even the hard ones. Because you blink and it’s over before you know it. I always thought it was cheesy when I was a freshman and a senior would say that to me, but it’s the most true statement I’ve heard.”

TIMEOUT WITH TORY BENNETT

Vacation destination: Maldives.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Sam Hunt.

It would surprise people that I: love watching Dance Moms in my free time.

My sports role model: THE Madi and Drew Bennett.

My everyday role model: my mom.

I can’t go a day without: milk.

Nickname: Tor.

Superstition: I have to wear a blue hair tie for every game or meet.

Most heated rivalry: Mason City.

Favorite road trip: Linn Mar softball tournament.

What are you listening to right now? “By Your Side” by Rod Wave

What is your go-to song? anything Taylor Swift

Favorites…

Team: Green Bay Packers.

Athlete: Caitlin Clark.

Class: Ceramics.

Movie: Spiderman: No Way Home.

Something you binge watch: Outer Banks.

Book or Magazine: Is there a movie instead?

Phone app: Tik Tok.