Unlike many young athletes who dabble in a variety of sports before deciding upon their favorite, Tristen Head needed just one option. The moment she began playing softball in fifth grade, it was obvious this was a journey she would continue. It is the only sport she has ever played and will remain a part of her life for at least the next four years.

Now a senior at Wright City, Head recently committed to play softball for Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tenn. She returned home on Sunday from her first official visit.

Head’s catapult into softball success happened rapidly, as she was playing up on the 16U select team by her eighth grade year. Entering high school, she began honing her skills behind the plate as the Wildcats’ varsity catcher.

This fall, Head batted .537 with 36 hits, including four doubles and three triples. She fell just one home run short of the school record held by Megan Christopher, knocking seven dingers out of the park. Head was responsible for 29 runs and 24 RBIs during her 67 at-bats.

Outside of sports, she is involved in National Honor Society, Student Council and Earth Club.

Q: What do you enjoy most about softball?
“The friendships that you form and memories you create. I’m still friends with people from my first select team. The bonds that I formed through it are my favorite.”