Photo by University of Iowa Athletics: Former Fort Dodge all-stater Jalen Adams warms up before the Big Ten championships in West Lafayette, Ind.

IOWA CITY — On the softball diamond, Jalen Adams and Tory Bennett have had a special bond they built as youngsters starting over a decade ago in Fort Dodge.

Their connection has continued into their college days, and the family has gotten bigger as part of the Iowa Hawkeye softball program.

Adams and Bennett were stars for Fort Dodge’s first state championship squad, as the Dodgers claimed the Class 5A crown in 2021 on their home field.

“Tory has been in this softball journey with me as my teammate since we first put on our little Pride uniforms many years ago,” Adams said. “But I think that our competitive spirits play off of one another and we are able to push the rest of our team by buying into one another.”

The relationship between the former FDSH standouts has survived a little of everything.

“Tory and I are in this thing together for the long haul, and our teammates see that, too,” Adams said. “Aside from the wins and losses this season, our team’s ability to buy into the process and consistently raise the standard of Iowa softball has been the biggest reason for us competing and winning on and off the field.”

The ex-Dodger all-staters have used their chemistry together to help the squad achieve under adverse circumstances this spring.

“It’s easy to have fun when you are playing the sport you love with your best friends,” Bennett said. “I am super thankful for the bonds I have built with my teammates.

“Playing next to Jalen for all these years has allowed us to build a (level of) comfort and consistency. Whenever one of us needs support the most, we always lean to each other.

“I’m so thankful to have her by my side.”

These Hawkeyes put Iowa softball back on the map with a 35-18 campaign and a sixth-place Big Ten finish at 15-7.

“This team has an unwavering trust and belief in a goal, which is much bigger than our individual motives,” Adams said. “That contributed to so much of our success.”

The year didn’t start out smoothly for the Hawkeyes. Head coach Renee Gillispie was forced to step aside for personal reasons in December, and Brian Levin was named the interim head coach.

During the season, Levin then left. Assistant Karl Gollan was named the acting head coach, and was in charge the rest of the way.

“All the adversity really pulled us together even more than we already were,” Bennett said. “I truly didn’t think our bond could be stronger.

“When adversity hits, you can either split or come together more than ever. We rallied around each other.”

Iowa earned the most conference wins for the program in 13 years.

“Coach Karl has been such a big component of this,” Adams said. “His ability to create a common goal for this group has been inspirational.

“I hope to lead like he does some day.”

Adams turned in a stellar junior campaign, earning second team All-Big Ten honors. Her 25 victories is the most for an Iowa pitcher since Brittany Weil (26) in 2009, and ranked in the Top-3 nationally during the regular season.

Adams is now tied for 11th in school history with 45 career wins, and is 12th all-time with 75 career complete games.

“As far as my personal growth this year, I attribute everything to my coaches and teammates,” Adams said. “Without them behind every pitch and every win or loss, I wouldn’t have my ‘why’ for this game I love and pour everything into.”

Bennett, a former all-state shortstop at FDSH who had been in the infield with the Hawkeyes for her first two seasons, made a move to centerfield this year.

“In the fall, I just got put out there one day at practice and I played it pretty well. I’ve been there ever since,” Bennett said. “I love where I’m at. I feel that shift from infield to outfield gave me the opportunity to lead in a different way.”

Adams is already ready for whatever the future may hold as she eyes her senior year with Bennett at Iowa.

“These are going to be my life-long best friends. I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve had with my girls for the world,” Adams said. “There is still quite a bit of uncertainty when it comes to next year (with the head coach situation), but I’m buying into this program.

“I’m so excited and ready to get back to square one and do every little detail to the best of my ability to win and win bigger next season.”