Hannah Jansen has a busy schedule, and she wouldn’t want it any other way. The Webster Groves junior is an all-season athlete. She plays softball in the fall (the All-Conference catcher already has committed to play at Florida International University in Miami); in the winter, she hits the mat as a wrestler; and the spring finds her throwing the javelin.
How long have you played softball?
I started when I was in fifth grade. I love the sport. It’s something I’m happy to give my time and effort, and improving gives me a goal to work toward. Some of the best feelings are when I hit a home run or get someone out. It’s also really fun to be with my team. We’ve experienced some great things together, like winning sectionals this year.
What do you enjoy about being a catcher?
When I was young, it was fun to be involved in every play. Now, I like that I get to be a leader. When I’m on the field, I see everything and am in control. I also like getting to know my pitchers and developing a bond with them.
What motivated you to take on wrestling and javelin?
Wrestling was suggested by a teacher. I gave it a try and ended up loving it. For javelin, I was looking for something to do in the spring. I figured I might be good at it because it’s kind of like throwing softballs.
How do you balance your three sports?
For my high school teams, each sport is played in a different season, but my club softball team plays all year. That means I might start my morning throwing the javelin at a track meet and finish the day at a softball tournament. It may seem like a lot, but I like always having things to do. It keeps me from being bored, especially when it’s something I enjoy.
Do you have specific goals for next year?
My goal is always to do better than I did the year before. I was on the second All-State team for softball, so I want to try to make the first team. In wrestling, I qualified for the state meet this year, which was an amazing experience. It was unlike anything I’ve done before, and I want to go back and place next year. The same thing goes for track. I want to walk away knowing I did everything I could and was the best I could be.
What do you like to do when you aren’t competing?
My brother is 8, and I enjoy teaching him sports. He just started football, so I go to his games and help him practice at home. Sometimes I end up learning just as much from him as he does from me.
As part of its sponsorship, Sport Court has made a donation to Special Olympics on behalf of Hannah.