Maddie Hansen of Cedar Rapids Jefferson has been named the first winner of the Metro Spotlight award for high school girls, as presented by the Metro Sports Report.

Hansen, a power-hitting catcher, helped the J-Hawks finish fifth in the Class 5A state tournament this year and compile a 33-12 record.

Hansen hit .500 with seven home runs and 69 RBIs as a sophomore. She led the Mississippi Valley Conference and Class 5A in RBIs and finished second overall in the state. She's also an accomplished catcher and committed only one error for a fielding percentage of .997.

Hansen was named the Valley Division Athlete of the Year in the MVC this season. She also has been named to the Class 5A East All-District Team and was selected for the All-Tournament team at the state tournament.

Here is our Question-and-Answer session with Maddie Hansen:

MSR: What is your favorite sports moment as an individual?

HANSEN: My favorite sports moment as an individual was this year when I received the honor of being on the all-tournament team at state.

MSR: What is your favorite sports moment as a team?

HANSEN: My favorite sports moment as a team was at the state tournament this year when we battled back to take fifth place and never gave up.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence on your sports career?

HANSEN: Both of my parents have had the biggest influence on my sports career because they are the ones who have allowed me to get where I am today. They both have pushed me to be the best that I can and they have never not been there for me when I needed them.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

HANSEN: My future goals in sports are returning to the state tournament the next two years and then playing softball for a Division I college.

MSR: What are your favorite subjects in school?

HANSEN: My favorite subjects in school include science, math and performance PE.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

HANSEN: My favorite community service project is serving meals to people or just doing anything I can that helps people out!