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Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com

Timeout with … Hannah Anderson, senior, Granite Falls softball

It's something softball coaches and parents suggest all the time: Keep your eyes on the ball. But for Hannah Anderson, the task is much more difficult.

Anderson, a four-year starter at Granite Falls, has a rare vision deficiency called vertical heterophoria that prevents her eyes from staying in vertical alignment.

To counteract the problem she wears special glasses when she hits. Still, some days the glasses don't seem to help much and Anderson has a hard time seeing the ball.

"It's definitely proven to be a struggle," she said.

The third baseman has overcome the vision flaw, though, earning All-Cascade Conference first team honors and becoming an indispensable team leader.

Coach's corner

Second-year Granite Falls softball coach Candi Reeves called Anderson a kind, modest person who always carries herself with style and class. "She's one of the best kids I've ever known in 21 years of teaching," said Reeves. "She's a phenomenal all-around kid."

The hot corner

To play third base, which Anderson has done for the Tigers since her freshman year, a player must be ready for anything, including a laser-like line drive.

"That's actually what I love about it," she said. "It's completely a reaction position, definitely a hot spot. You get a lot of action."

Never perfect

No matter how good a player gets, there are ways to get develop more skills, said Anderson: "There's always room for improvement. That's something I pride myself on, that I can always do better."

Trailblazer

Anderson was a key part of two historic Granite Falls sports achievements. First, as a freshman she helped the girls cross country team qualify for the state meet for the first time in program history. Then, during her sophomore year she played for the Tigers softball team that made history by advancing to the fastpitch state tourney.

"That was a blast," Anderson said of the latter achievement. "It's definitely a proud moment, being able to say I was a part of that team."

Getting involved

On top of her athletic commitments, Anderson is highly involved in other school groups. She's the Associated Student Body activities coordinator, Honor Society president, Spanish Club vice president and co-president of the school's Future Business Leaders of America club.

On a mission

Eventually, Anderson, who is interested in becoming a high school math teacher, hopes to do missionary work and help the needy. Said Anderson: "I really enjoy helping people and making a difference."

Positive thinking

Asked what kind of music she likes, Anderson said, "I definitely like inspirational songs." One of her favorites is "Don't Give Up" by Eagle Eye Cherry.

Mike Cane, Herald Writer