Bellevue Bulldogs freshman Tess Dixon is thriving in her first season of collegiate softball, just a mere 37 miles from where she grew up.

Dixon, who graduated from Rogers High School in Puyallup in 2014, has compiled 47 RBI and 14 home-runs through 22 games thus far. Bellevue has an overall record of 13-9. Dixon said she doesn’t put much stock into the stat-book, even though she has been tearing the cover off the ball.

“I have a lot of confidence in the batters box but I wasn’t expecting to be this explosive. Stats are just a number. I don’t really want to look at them,” Dixon said. “I just like to go into the box and just have fun.”

Dixon said competing at the collegiate level is a different ballgame on and off the field.

“I’m on my own now. Managing time is hard because of school, work and softball,” Dixon said.

Bellevue head coach Leah Francis doesn’t tolerate her players mismanaging their time.

“She pushes us to the point where she brings out the best out of us,” Dixon said of Francis. “She doesn’t let us slack and is always on our butt about grades, being at practice on time and never missing anything. It is teaching us a lot and not just for softball but for life. She is a really good coach and knows her stuff.”

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Dixon a few questions about her life away from the softball field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Tess Dixon: The Guardian. It’s based off of teamwork. It is a very intense movie that really touches your heart.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

TD: When people chew loud when they’re eating. It drives me crazy. I can’t handle it.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

TD: I almost lost part of my leg when I was in sixth grade. I pressure washed my foot, got stitches and then it led to an infection. The doctors almost had to amputate my leg from the knee down.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

TD: Hawaii. We go there as a family every couple of years.

BR: What is your favorite show on television?

TD: Law and Order. I’ve always wanted to be a cop. It’s really interesting.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

TD: I send maybe 100 per day.

BR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?

TD: Country music. Luke Bryan and Chase Rice are my favorites.