Last month, we introduced you to our newest contributor, Tyler Johnstone, who played baseball at Auburn and then in the minors for the New York Mets.

Click HERE to read more on Tyler’s background.

Today, he and wife Jennifer live in Canada with their two young daughters Chloe (12) and Aubrey (10) and the former baseball star is now a huge fan of fastpitch softball (aren’t we all!).

We’re excited to announce the start of our international softball coverage that will feature continued news in the States, for sure, as well as the latest fastpitch in countries such as Canada, Australia and Mexico.

We’ll have regular stories from Tyler sharing great stories from North of the Border… here’s the first in what will typically be weekly stories and reports…

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball 

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Consistency, competitiveness, and a genuine love for the game have defined Natalie Tasker’s softball journey.

A 2027 graduate from Bluevale Collegiate Institute in Waterloo, Ontario, Natalie has steadily built her résumé while competing for top Canadian programs including the UTM Bandits and Northern Force 09.

A versatile pitcher who can also contribute in the middle infield and outfield, she has earned national recognition for both her performance and her impact on the field—while balancing life as a five-sport high school athlete and staying grounded in her close-knit Canadian softball community.

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An Impressive List of Success in Softball… and 4 Other Sports

The Canadian’s list of accomplishments speaks for itself.

Her recent team success includes a silver medal finish at the 2024 Canadian Nationals in Montreal and a gold medal at the 2025 Provincial Championships in Whitby, Ontario.

Individually, she has earned All-Star recognition at Canadian Nationals in each of the past three seasons, collecting honors such as:

• Top Pitcher (2023 qualifying rounds),
• Top Player (2024 championship rounds),
• MVP (2024 qualifying rounds), and
• Top Utility Player (2025 qualifying rounds).

In 2024, she was also honored with the Lori Sippel Most Promising Minor Pitcher Award at the PWSA awards banquet—one of Ontario’s most respected recognitions for an emerging young pitcher.

Beyond softball, Natalie thrives as a multi-sport athlete.

At Bluevale Collegiate Institute, she competes in tennis, badminton, field hockey, volleyball, and slo-pitch.

Her field hockey teams have qualified for OFSAA multiple times, earning both silver and bronze medals, and she has also found success on the tennis court, winning gold and silver medals in singles and doubles at the WCSAA regional level.

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Canada U15 Nationals

One of the most defining moments of her softball career came at the U15 Canadian Nationals in Montreal while playing for the Waterloo Ghosts. The tournament, which brings together the top 24 teams from across Canada, left a lasting impression.

“The whole week was amazing—not just the softball, but everything that came with it,” Natalie said.

From exploring a new city with teammates to the energy of hotel life between games, the experience was unforgettable.

On the field, everything clicked.

The Ghosts won every game leading up to the final, feeding off strong chemistry and nonstop dugout energy.

The championship game ended in heartbreak, a 1–0 loss in extra innings to the Abbotsford Outlaws from British Columbia. The junior pitched the entire game—her longest outing ever—and the biggest game she had played at that point.

While the loss was tough, it remains one of the most meaningful moments of her career, a reminder of both the highs and lows that come with competing at the highest level.

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All In to be a Titan

Natalie’s recruiting journey mirrored the same intentional approach she brings to her game.

Motivated by seeing other Canadian athletes succeed at the collegiate level, she took a proactive path, beginning outreach in Grade 10.

Over the course of the process, she contacted more than 40 Division I, Division II, and NAIA programs, shared video and performance updates, attended multiple camps and showcases—including Niagara University, a North Carolina Tarheels softball camp, and the TNT Showcase.

She also used social media to increase exposure and her efforts paid off in December 2025, when she officially committed to the University of Detroit Mercy, a reasonable three-hour drive southeast crossing the U.S./Canadian border, approximately 250 kilometers or 155 miles.

Interestingly, Detroit Mercy wasn’t initially on her radar.

While playing with Northern Force, her team toured the campus and watched a game prior to a Michigan tournament. The visit left a strong impression, prompting Tasker to reach out to the coaching staff and share her game footage.

With Northern Force head coach Courtney Gilbert—herself a Detroit Mercy alum—providing insight and support, conversations quickly progressed. After multiple calls and a second campus visit with her parents, Natalie was officially offered a scholarship.

She committed shortly afterward—in mid-December—first over text message, then finalized details with Head Coach Dan Vitale before announcing her decision publicly.

The Titans stood out for several reasons: its Division I status competing in the Horizon League, proximity to home, strong academics, and the presence of other Canadian players on the roster.

“From my first visit, it just felt right,” Natalie said. “It’s a smaller campus, close to home, and I could really see Coach Dan as my coach.”

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This Year & Beyond

On the field, the talented pitcher—who can also line up as a middle infielder and outfielder— brings a complete pitching profile.

Her fastball tops out at 63 mph, with a consistent range of 59–60 mph, and her drop ball is considered her best pitch. She throws five pitches—fastball, change-up, rise ball, screwball, and drop ball—and prides herself on control and command.

Her ability to play multiple positions and contribute offensively only added to her value during the recruiting process.

Family and coaches played a major role in her decision—long conversations at home helped guide the process, especially with the importance of an athletic scholarship in making a U.S. education financially possible.

Along the way, Natalie leaned on guidance from coaches who know her well, including Courtney Gilbert, summer coach Nikki Beal, hitting coach Neil Teague, and pitching coaches Lindsey Hibbs, Scott Thomson, and Lacey Dinney.

Academically, the high school junior plans to major in Business Administration, drawn to Detroit Mercy’s strong business program and its five-year MBA option. While she’s still exploring long-term career goals, she appreciates the flexibility the degree provides.

Later this year, Natalie will compete with the UTM Bandits, playing a mix of Ontario and U.S. tournaments, with Provincials in Windsor guaranteed and hopes of qualifying for U19 Canadian Nationals in Calgary.

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Loving the Game

Off the field, she’s known for a unique routine—homemade protein waffles prepared by her dad, which travel with her to tournaments… toaster included.

When asked what she loves most about softball, her answer is simple: the people.

“Especially in Canada and Ontario, it’s a small, close-knit community,” she said. “You see the same faces year after year, and those relationships are what keep you coming back.”

When it comes to reaching the next level, Natalie is clear on what matters most: loving the game.

Passion is what carries athletes through early mornings, long practices, tough losses, and the constant pressure to improve. It’s what drives players to put in the work when no one is watching—and what ultimately separates those who simply dream from those who truly commit.

With a competitive edge on the field and a relentless work ethic away from it, the Canadian athlete continues to raise the standard for herself as she takes the next step in her softball journey.

— Tyler Johnstone/Canadian contributor to Line Drive Softball