Hannah Edwards has a hard time thinking about anything other than sports.

A sophomore, Edwards is definitely on a fast pace and has easily maneuvered around, and through, any obstacles along her way. Edwards is among a handful of athletes in the Lehigh Valley who already has her collegiate future set as she will begin a softball career at the University of Pittsburgh in two years.

It has been her passion for the games that has kept her in a higher gear than her peers.

"I have always loved playing sports," she quipped. "I started playing softball in first grade and basketball the following year. My brother (Zac) and I have always been very competitive. It is just something in me.

"It is just something that has been in my blood."

It didn't take Edwards long to adjust to any level. She quickly made her presence felt in the CYAA programs, and continued her mercurial assault in her freshman year in the Roughies' program. During her freshman year, she hit over .550, scored 40 runs, and struck out only once. She also became a steady contributor in the field hockey program and helped them get back to district play after a playoff drought.

This year, Edwards heightened her level of play in both sports, and again helped the teams reach the postseason.

"We knew Hannah was a very good player who would be coming to our program," said Roughies' head softball coach Bobby Thomas. "She had a solid first year and didn't disappoint anyone. This year, she worked on attacking the ball in different ways, and she again was a big part of our program.

"With her talent and determination, she can only continue to raise her game to another level."

"Hannah made a big impact with the team," added Roughies head field hockey coach Carrie Saul. "She adjusted quickly and was able to become a consistent scorer and strong overall player for us.

"We expect her to continue to work hard and became a better player."

Determination quickly has become her calling card.

"I know what I have done, but I have to keep working to get better," she said. "I know I can't settle for anything. There is always room for me to improve in some way. I wanted to work on my hitting this year, and I was happy with what I accomplished.

"But I know I have to be able to see what I can do for the team. This year didn't turn out the way we wanted as a team. We want to win another league championship and have a shot at winning a district title.

"We lost some good players, but we have some good freshmen coming into the program including a good pitcher. It is important to me and everyone to get back to the playoffs."

Along with playing travel and tournament softball when she isn't playing high school softball and field hockey, Edwards has been the top student in her class the past two years. She rarely wastes any of her time on any given school day. Her brother Zac, currently a freshman baseball player at Lebanon Valley College, was ranked No. 1 in his graduating class last year.

"It's all about time management and priorities," she stated. "I know I have to juggle sports and school. It is all about managing everything properly. I had to work at juggling sports and studies, but I got used to it.

"I saw what my brother did, and I knew I could do it as well."

Edwards, who easily can be recognized as a self-motivator, needs to keep a busy schedule. However, she does tend to follow some routines.

"There aren't too many times when I feel tired," she admitted. "I get some breaks along the way, but I really love what I do. I know I can keep going.

"But I am superstitious. I have to wear my hair with the same bow and the same way, and always spit into my batting gloves and rub them together. There are also some other things that I need to have the same way.

"It does work for me most of the time."

If she wasn't paying sports, Edwards admittedly would be short of options. She plans to pursue exercise science at Pitt in lieu of landing a coaching career someday.

"Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I wasn't playing sports," she said. "I really haven't thought about doing anything else. I know I could read more, but there really isn't anything else for me. I also like to spend some time at the beach when I can. If it (sports) ended for me, it would be rough.

"I know that I have to stay in sports. I would like to coach at the college level. I know I can stay involved with sports with my major. But I would like to do something in sports."

Edwards will keep her busy schedule this summer as her travel team will take her to various spots across the country.

"It is cool to travel to different places and be playing softball," she said. "I can relax and play at the same time. But sports are really 24/7 for me. I never get tired of it. It can really keep me focused.

"I am happy with what I accomplished, but I know I still have a way to go."

Chances are, Edwards will enjoy every moment.