ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Since she started playing softball, junior Tiffany Thompson has always carried a philosophy of "team-first."

It is her persona on the field and off. She knows the value of hard work results in opportunity. And focusing on team means supporting every teammate regardless of situation and moment.

An outfielder/pitcher for the No. 17 College of Saint Benedict softball team, Thompson has played a key role in leading the Bennies to an 18-4 start with a 9-3 overall MIAC record. 

"Relationships are the biggest thing. It teaches you a lot of life lessons," said Thompson, an elementary education major. "You always support each other and do so regardless of mistakes. Playing means giving your all when you are on the field but also realizing that you need everyone's contributions to win. You must lean on each other," she said. 

A year ago, Thompson was mostly a pinch runner and later contributed innings in the circle as a pitcher. But through it all, she knew that any moment in any game could result in opportunity. So, for her, it is focusing on hard work and remaining steadfast in what the team can accomplish.  

"We all believe in working hard and sharing that effort. It makes a difference in who we play," said Thompson, who is hitting .293 with 10 RBI and five stolen bases.  

To her head coach Rachael Click, Thompson is one of those student-athletes who is all in everything she does. 

"She has always been someone who has put in the time to improve. This fall she had to leave early for practice twice per week due to night education classes. On those days Tiffany and I met early for practice and worked 1:1 hitting," said Click about Thompson, who had a .440 average and earned MIAC Player of the Week honors on March 13 after the Bennies opened 9-1.  

"This is not something I required, but something I wanted her to want to do and take advantage of. This year she is playing with a high level of confidence which I think has definitely shown in her early season hitting success and abilities as a talented outfielder, "said Click. 

For Thompson, softball began at an early age of five or six years. Thompson, who would also play volleyball, basketball and trap shooting in high school, started with a little catch with her older brother Taylor. 

Those early days of catch meant a lot to Thompson. It taught her about the game. And she found a game that would stick with her. It helped bring her into contact with a coach who had a profound impact on Thompson.  

"He was a huge role model for me," said Thompson, of New York Mills' coach Bryan Dunrud. "We spent 9-10 months together with him. Softball – community service – he preached the importance of being human and helping others," said Thompson. 

As she was learning the valuable importance of humanity, Thompson continued to learn about softball from her dad, Darin, and her brother.  

"It was pretty cool that we set up a miniature field in our yard and also played and learned the game there," said Thompson, who had an outstanding prep career including going to the state tournament five straight seasons (seven straight overall as a team). Twice, as a first-year and sophomore, New York Mills won the state tournament with Thompson starting at catcher. 

Then, as a sophomore and junior, she was all-state and twice named to the all-tourney team.  

As a senior, she suffered an injury. But she still found her way to Saint Benedict, finding the small town feel perfect for what she wanted.

"The success of the program, after having played for a winning program was important. A lot of my decision revolved around softball," said Thompson.  

In that first year at the College of Saint Benedict, she worked through her injury and began preparing for the opportunity. She was a pinch runner on offense but also contributed as a pitcher. 

As part of a 30-10 team that reached the NCAA DIII regional final a year ago, she finished 6-4 in 15 appearances with 21 strikeouts. She also had seven steals, scored nine runs, and made five starts as a position player.  

Now a junior, Thompson came into the season with the focus of being part of a team that could take the next step. But mostly it is about having fun and engaging with her sisters on the CSB Softball Team, which has been ranked six straight weeks. 

"I graduate this December so it is a big thing for me to help the team do the best it can," said Thompson.  

In helping the Bennies succeed, Thompson uses her own experiences to help lead the team. 

"Tiffany is a quiet, lead-by-example type of leader. She is the person on the team who has a good relationship with everyone and a person who everyone wants to see succeed. That statement says a lot about who she is, her character and integrity," said Click. 

"We have 23 of us pushing each other – supporting each other," said Thompson, who noted that the coaching and training staff at CSB has been encouraging and provided important mentoring support. "We all have each other's back. We can do a lot together," said Thompson. "This is a fun team. We laugh together and share experiences. We feel like a family by sharing, by keeping it light and not getting tensed up. We lean on each other," she said. 

In a spring that has tested the resilience of the team in just getting on the field, the group sticks together, noted Thompson. The Bennies have had 14 games postponed or canceled yet the focus remains on each other. 

"This experience has taught me a lot about adapting and conquering the next thing," said Thompson. "We have a lot to do yet."