Sweat drips down your face as you stand poised at the batter’s box. The culprit: a summer sun blazing overhead. Dirt coats your uniform—signs of the many innings you and your team have already played. Despite your fatigue, the electric cheers of the crowd are enough fuel for you to grit your teeth, dig your feet into the ground, and clutch the bat in anticipation of the underhand pitch flying your way. These descriptions may seem foreign to the average reader, but members of the Triton Youth Fastpitch Softball Association, better known as TYFSA, experience this on a weekly basis. When Tom Bond began the non-profit Venom Softball team in 2011, it was a way for young ladies and their parents in West Concord, Dodge Center, and Claremont to root themselves in the sport. Since then, hundreds of youths have improved their skills, built quality sportsmanship, and used the healthy environment to grow on and off the pitch. Longtime supporter and treasurer Chris Pluto can attest to these developments firsthand.
Chris Pluto: “TYFSA provides a safe place for young ladies to be part of an organization that promotes community and engagement with other communities. We have been doing tournaments for years and created events that we are proud of. The feedback has been positive, too, bringing fields, dugouts, scoreboards, and support.”
Aimed at “promoting excellence in girls’ fastpitch softball,” TYFSA has given opportunities for youth to play competitively for 15 years now. Starting in elementary school, coaches start building up the foundations of fastpitch softball, focusing especially on teamwork and sportsmanship. They emphasize individual instruction, team practices, and healthy bonds even in the off-season. Regardless of the weather, their indoor facilities give players the chance to practice hitting, pitching, and fielding in preparation for the summer months. With high school divisions alongside their 8, 10, & 12U options, Venom Softball provides competition and sportsmanship at nearly every age level. As the players grow older, there are more chances to play competitively, join tournaments, travel to games, and eventually move into college-level settings. Fields across the Triton community help to facilitate these practices.
“We’re encouraging Triton to use the fields in West Concord, Claremont, and Dodge Center. We have fields in each community to advocate usage for TYFSA, but also for tournaments bringing in participants from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin to support our local economy.”
Among other means of building the community, Chris can attest to West Concord’s well-known Friday Under the Lights games. This event draws spectators to watch three teams play at each age level, boosting support for TYFSA and building community morale. Alongside a triple-play tournament for 10U & 12U divisions at Dodger Days, the team also hosted its first tournament at Hogfest in Claremont last August to great success. If there is interest, TYFSA has expressed willingness to return to their new field in 2026. The result of these tournaments, local businesses, and community support has also allowed them to build a new storage shed for their West Concord field. Its construction last fall let them accommodate gear, store maintenance equipment, and support the teams for years to come.
“We own up to the area. We'll be better able to keep people at the field. The positive feedback from tournaments has also brought more people and players to the area.”
Beyond the economy, the organization has significantly impacted the players. Those striving to bring their softball skills to a college level can apply for scholarships through their weekly meat raffle at Harold’s Club. To name a handful of the countless youth who have benefited from their support, Alyssa Knutson and Gigi Lundi have both played for Rochester Community and Technical College. Meanwhile, Brielle Dessner plays for Bethel University and Madison Hazelton at Valley City State University. With Karli Zetah playing at St. Mary’s and Alexis Dahlberg also being a past TYFSA player, the organization has been home to so many youths encouraged to chase excellence. Many choose to mentor the young ladies after graduation, showing just how tight-knit the Venom Softball team has become through the years.
“They have all have been with TYFSA for many years. We provided a home for them and a base for the future, both in softball and life. Softball is more than just a sport [to them]. It's an atmosphere where the ladies feel comfortable to play and share. We’re fostering a time to grow and learn together for their future.”
Even after putting yourself in the shoes of a Venom Softball player, it’s hard to establish the true value found in this kind of community. When the game comes to an end, you and your team clutch your medals in triumph, and the people shuffle out of their bleachers, the truth might still evade you. Graduating from high school and moving on to college settings may help in understanding what these games don’t directly tell you. Beyond the long training sessions, the sweat-filled summers, and the bonds you’ve built with your division, your time at Venom Softball and in other sports has an inherent value. They build your skills and give you lasting friendships. They may even provide you with a future career. But most importantly, they provide a base for the future.
