Hannah Edwards is one person who isn't hoping for a late spring from the remnants of a hardy winter.

Catasauqua's standout two-sport athlete is anxious for winter the leave the scene and spring to make its mark. After her field hockey season was cut short to a knee injury, Edwards is anxious to get back to the softball diamond.

Making an impressive showing in her freshman season, Edwards was instrumental in helping her team grab the Colonial League title as she hit .659, stole 51 bases, scored 40 runs and struck out only once.

She gained All-Colonial League and all-state honors in the process, and also was named to the Max Preps All-Freshman team. Edwards also helped her team reach the district final.

Last season, Edwards had another stellar season and again led her team to the district final, as well as maintain her all-league and all-state status.

In her two seasons, Edwards has also been an All-American, a true rarity for freshmen and sophomores.

"Hannah (Edwards) is one of those players who you don't get too often," said Catasauqua softball coach Bobby Thomas. "She works very hard and has achieved so much in a short time. We know she can take her game to another level."

In field hockey, Edwards has been her team's leading scorer, and also helped them get back to district play after a long draught.

Recently, Edwards was named the fifth-rated player in the country and the lone representative from the East Coast in a ranking of the "hot" top-100 players. She also competed in a softball slapping/hitting camp at the University of Pittsburgh, where she will play outfield for the Panthers beginning in the spring of 2017.

"That was a cool experience," said Edwards of her recent achievement. "I am always grateful of all of the honors I receive. I was really shocked that I was ranked that high. It is also a great accomplishment for our program."

Edwards also has been inspired by the constant encouragement of older brother Zac, who will begin his sophomore season as a member of the Lebanon Valley College baseball team.

"My brother and I have always been close and he has been an inspiration to me," said Edwards. "We are always looking to keep each other motivated. Since he has been home on break, we have been working out and hitting together. We always work on a lot of things together."

Edwards, father, Robert, and her mother, Teresa, have always been a constant source of energy and motivation as well as a busy taxi service for both children through the years.

When the season's practices begin, Edwards will move into a leadership role in her junior year, as most of the starters over the past two years have graduated. Still, Edwards simply can't wait.

"I'm excited," stated Edwards. "We will have a different group of girls, but we can succeed if we work hard.

"I always try to be a leader. I'm the type who likes to lead by example and I'm not really a vocal person. But I am ready to step up and help out our younger players. I know we will be ready for any new challenges this year."

While her team adjusts, Edwards certainly will be seeking some new challenges.