Left: Adi Dodge with parents Jake and Tabitha. Top right: Adi with Storm head coach Jake Dodge and assistant coach Mark Loll. Bottom right: Adi with family — Jake, Tabitha, Mia, Coby and Avy (older sisters Elli & Liv not pictured) | Photos submitted
Breckenridge-Wahpeton Storm senior Adi Dodge has signed to continue her decorated softball career at Bethel University, emphasizing the school’s strong Christian values as a driving force in her decision.
“A Jesus-centered school was the most important thing to me in my college decision. Bethel provided the path and resources to strengthen my relationship with Jesus,” Dodge said.
Following a strong spring and summer on the softball circuit, Dodge is equally focused on her academic future.
“I also wanted a school that allows me to put my education before my sport,” Dodge said. “As I look down the road I want to be secure in a career and look back at an amazing time of college softball.”
Dodge is excited about the coaching staff at Bethel.
“After I met coach Penny and Roman, I knew Bethel was the place for me. They are wonderful people who take the time to build relationships with their players while holding people accountable and keeping them all very competitive,” Dodge said.
Dodge not only brings a solid stat sheet to the program, but innate qualities that she hopes will translate instantly to the next level.
“Some strengths I bring that will fit the team’s style is my competitive and intense nature,” Dodge said. “When I compete, I compete hard and focused. I like to win but also understand that losing and failure is where improvement and learning best takes place.”
Storm softball coach Jacob Dodge, also Adi’s father, has been a big part of the process.
“He has been a huge part of my athletic success, putting in endless hours of his time into my development as a softball player, supporting me in every way, and making the opportunity of playing with club teams possible, which is where Bethel was able to find me as a potential recruit. My dad is a driving force who encouraged me to put in time and effort and make the most of everything,” Dodge said.
Dodge is setting the bar high in the classroom.
“I plan to get my bachelors in Biology and continue at Bethel for my master degree as a Physicians Assistant,” Dodge said. “This was important in my choice because I needed to make sure the school I went to would be able to provide a solid education for me and set me on a path of success. Bethel is known for their incredible education and has the master of Physicians Assistant program, allowing me to stay there for all of my schooling.”
The star senior is preparing for the challenges and grind of being a college athlete.
“I expect a heavy and more challenging workload between getting an education, playing softball, and participating in choir,” Dodge said. “Efficient time management is going to be super important and happens to be a skill that I need to make some improvements on.”
Dodge gives all glory to the highest in reaching this point as a student athlete.
“First and foremost, I thank God for every gift I’ve been blessed with and the mindset of doing everything for His glory and presenting myself in a way that honors Him,” Dodge said. “Secondly, I thank my family and the time they put into my future as a softball player, especially my parents, who put time and money into the opportunity of me being a collegiate athlete.”
Reaching the collegiate level as an athlete takes sacrifices, something Dodge has noticed.
“You have to be willing to give up some things to gain others. It takes time and effort and an attitude of consistency ensuring you don’t give up,” Dodge said. “It’s always going to be a process, every choice matters and what your mindset is when you make them makes every difference. If you’re capable of going D2 or D1, understand what choice you’re making. Don’t go higher level just to be able to say you did it. Make sure you know your priorities and what you’re going to school for.”
Dodge is still leaving her legacy as a high school softball star.
“I hope I’m remembered as the teammate who encouraged the rest of the team to be better,” Dodge said. “The teammate who didn’t give up and saw something positive when things went bad. As a competitor, as the teammate who played hard, intense, and confident in her abilities.”
Bethel is a private Christian University in St. Paul, MN.
https://athletics.bethel.edu/
