Zoey Tishenko is already emerging as one of the more intriguing young prospects in Canadian softball’s 2029 class.

Standing an impressive 6-foot tall, Zoey brings the kind of physical presence coaches notice immediately, but it’s her work ethic, composure, and rapidly developing all-around game that make her a name worth following.

A pitcher with power stuff and growing command, she already features a five-pitch mix highlighted by a 62-mph fastball while also showing strength at the plate with a 70 mph exit velocity.

Representing the TriCity Titans, Zoey has already challenged herself by competing up in age groups and proving she can succeed against older, stronger competition.

Those experiences helped shape a player who embraces pressure, values growth, and understands what it takes to compete at the next level.

Whether she’s in the circle attacking hitters or helping lead energy in the dugout, Zoey brings a calm confidence that impacts winning.

Off the field, she’s just as driven.

With aspirations of studying Kinesiology and one day becoming a Physiotherapist, Zoey combines athletic ambition with clear academic goals.

 As college programs begin identifying long-term talent in the 2029 class, Zoey Tishenko is the type of athlete whose upside, size, mindset, and dedication make her a prospect to keep firmly on the radar.

Here’s our Q&A with the athlete to learn more about what drives her to excellence…

— Tyler Johnstone/Line Drive Canadian Contributor

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To start, tell us something about you—on or off the field—that people might find interesting or surprising.

I’m a huge Toronto Blue Jays fan and I watch pretty much every game, even spring training. If there’s a game on, there’s a good chance I’m finding a way to watch it—even at school sometimes. 

Take us back to the beginning—how did a 5-year-old who started in T-ball turn into a pitcher who now thrives in the circle?

Once I realized pitching was something I really wanted to pursue, I started putting in extra work whenever I could.

My dad helped a lot, whether it was throwing in the garage, going to clinics, or finding extra time to practice.

It wasn’t always easy at first, but the more I worked, the more confidence I gained and the more I believed this could become one of my strengths.

You were hesitant about softball at first—what changed and what made you fall in love with both the sport and pitching?

At first, switching to softball was an easy “no” for me, but knowing my best friend was making the move too helped me give it a chance.

Once I started playing, I fell in love with the team atmosphere, the friendships, and always being involved in the action—especially as a pitcher.

You were called up to play with the 2010 team for Provincials and Westerns—what did competing at that level show you about your game?

That experience showed me where I needed to grow, especially with hitting and overall game awareness, but it also gave me confidence.

Competing against older players proved to me that I belonged at a high level and could challenge myself against strong competition.

What motivated your move to A-level with the TriCity Titans and how has that jump changed you as a player?

Playing at the Western Championships made me realize I wanted to challenge myself at the A level.

I was the youngest pitcher there and still performed well, which gave me confidence to take that next step. Since making the move, I’ve learned the game is about more than talent—it’s about thinking ahead, understanding situations, and competing with purpose every play.

Working with Kim Wright, you increased your fastball from 58 to 62 mph; what specifically changed in your training and what are you doing now that separates you from other pitchers your age?

Working with Coach Wright has made a huge difference for me. She helped me understand body mechanics and how to move more efficiently, which helped increase my velocity.

I also focus a lot on strength, mobility, and explosive training. But for me, it’s not just about throwing harder—it’s about command, consistency, and being able to trust every pitch I throw.

Was there a turning point in your softball journey where things really clicked for you? Walk us through that moment.

The biggest turning point was getting the chance to pitch for an older team at Provincials and Westerns and succeeding in those moments.

That gave me confidence and showed me I was ready to compete at a higher level. It helped me believe in myself more as a player.

Who has had the biggest impact on your softball journey so far, and how have they helped shape you as a player and person?

My parents have had the biggest impact on me. They’ve supported me through everything, from practices and games to the ups and downs that come with sports.

They always believe in me and encourage me to keep growing. Coach Phil Nguyen has also been a big influence by giving me an opportunity with the Titans and pushing me to improve every day.

Have you ever had a moment where you truly questioned yourself as a player—and how did you respond to it?

This past off-season I made changes to my batting stance and, at first, it was really frustrating because I struggled during live hitting sessions.

There were definitely moments where I questioned if it was worth it, but I reminded myself that improvement takes time, trusted the process and kept working until things started to click.

What motivates you and drives you to keep pushing for success in this sport?

I love the process of getting better. All the extra work—pitching, hitting, training, and practice—feels worth it when it shows up in games.

Whether it’s a strikeout, a big hit, breaking out of a slump, or even getting respect from an opposing coach, those moments keep me hungry to improve.

When you’re in a high-pressure moment, what is your mindset and how do you handle adversity during a game?

I try to stay calm and focus on one pitch at a time. In pressure situations, I trust my preparation and the work I’ve put in.

If something doesn’t go my way, I make adjustments, reset, and keep competing. I also trust the teammates behind me to make plays.

Where do you feel you make the biggest impact on your team when it comes to winning games?

I think I make a big impact in the circle by bringing confidence and composure. I want my team to feel steady when I’m pitching.

I also try to be a positive teammate in the dugout by keeping energy up and encouraging everyone around me.

How would you describe the difference between your relationships with your teammates and your friends outside of softball?

With both my teammates and my friends outside of softball, I feel like I can be myself. I can be fun, relaxed, and goofy, but also focused and dependable when it matters.

My teammates share a competitive bond with me, while school friends know me in a different everyday way.

What are your goals over the next few years as you continue to develop your game?

My biggest long-term goal is to play college softball, whether that’s NCAA or staying local at UBC. Right now, I’m focused on competing at a high level, getting exposure to coaches, earning opportunities like Canada Futures, and continuing to improve all parts of my game.

Last question: what is your dream school, and what makes that program the right fit for you?

Right now, Oregon would be a dream school for me. I love their competitive program and the opportunity to study Kinesiology there.

I’m also very interested in the University of British Columbia (UBC) because staying closer to home while playing strong softball would be an amazing option too. 

I’ve attended several camps at UBC over the past few years and have really grown to love the atmosphere and energy there. The coaches are welcoming, and the players always push me to improve, which makes it feel like a place where I belong.

Staying local while competing at a high level would be a great opportunity. They also offer a strong Kinesiology program, which would support my long-term goal of becoming a physiotherapist.

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Zoey’s Basics for College Coaches: 

Athlete Profile:

• Height: 6-foot
• Grad Year: 2029

Measurables & Performance Metrics:

• Pitches: fastball (62 mph), curve (58 mph), screwball (60 mph), change (47 mph)
• Throwing Velocity: 56 mph
• Bat Exit Velocity: 70 mph

Social Media:

• Instagram: zoeytishenko.2029

Recruiting Profile: CLICK HERE