ven after her days at Catasauqua and the University of Pittsburgh, Hannah Edwards can't see sports exiting her life.

It has been the one constant the holds her and brother and recent graduate Zac along with their parents together.

"I just love being around sports," said the sophomore. "I started playing softball and field hockey in first grade, and basketball in seventh grade. Both sports has always been a big thing with my brother and I.

"I know it will always have a huge place in my life."

For her first two years in the Roughies' program, Edwards certainly has shown its importance to her. She burst onto the softball scene last spring, batting a streaking .659 with 56 hits and 51 stolens bases from the leadoff spot. She also struck out only once and scored 40 runs in playing a key role in helping her team win its first Colonial League title since 1981.

"Hannah (Edwards) was a natural from the start," said Roughies' head coach Bobby Thomas. "But she has worked for everything she has achieved. She really knows the game and plays it very well.

"She has done whatever she needs to do to help our offense get going."

It shouldn't be hard to assume Edwards's production will continue to rise over the next two years as she has a verbal commitment to Pitt. However, her early decision isn't uncommon as most softball recruits - unlike other sports - commit as early as middle school to major Division-I programs.

Edwards also will be pursuing a degree in exercise and sports science, seeking to land a position in athletics. This year, Edwards is her class historian, a member of the Varsity C Club, student council, and SADD. She was ranked number one in her class last year and is also near the top this year.

"I was actually a little late," explained Edwards about her decision. "I was being recruited the summer of my freshman year and in the fall of this past year. I liked everything about Pitt. They have an excellent program and they will be in the ACC. It really is a good fit for me."

Edwards credits most of her sporting interest to her brother, Zac, who is currently a starting middle infielder for Lebanon Valley College.

"Growing up, Zac was my idol," stated Edwards. "He was a good role model for me because he played all of his sports hard. We are still close and push each other."

Ironically, though, Edwards' mercurial rise in softball almost took a slight detour. However, her decision cemented itself with her decision to join the Lower South Liberty Gold U18 traveling team, a unit that tours the country.

"When I first entered high school, I wasn't sure if softball or field hockey would be a bigger sport for me," explained Edwards. "But I soon chose softball. I do enjoy playing field hockey as it is a good outlet during the fall for me.

"All the rest of the time, I'm playing softball."

Edwards once again has been an integral part of this season's success. Batting leadoff, Edwards plans to improve her game as more of a power slapper than just a slap-hitter. If she does, Edwards will seek to drive in more runs.

"I want to be able to drive players in when they are in scoring position," she said. "I have been working on being more of power-slap hitter all winter. Last year, all of the girls were very welcoming to me, and it didn't take me long to get comfortable.

"I also played with a number of them on travel teams, so it made it much easier."

Edwards also knows she or her team won't catch too many other teams by surprise this spring.

"Last season, we were the sleeper team," said Edwards. "Teams know our strengths and weaknesses and they will be gunning for us. We just have to keep on working."

For the next two years, Edwards plans to do her share.