Cedar Rapids Prairie junior Hannah Kousheh is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school girls this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

The Hawks have enjoyed a big jump in their fortunes this season under new head coach Doug Graham. Prairie is ranked No. 10 in Class 3A in the latest IGHSAU poll after finishing with a 5-13 record a year ago.

Kousheh scored just two goals in 16 games last year, but she's collected 10 goals in Prairie's first nine games this season to go along with three assists. She leads the Hawks in scoring during their surge this year.

Kousheh scored in overtime last Tuesday to give Prairie a 1-0 victory over Kennedy, which was ranked No.7 at the time.

Here is our Question-&-Answer session with Hannah Kousheh:

MSR: What is your favorite individual highlight in sports?

HANNAH: My favorite individual highlight would definitely have to be scoring the winning goal against Kennedy in overtime last week off of Hayley Moyle's beautiful assist. Whenever you're playing the golden goal rule your emotions are always at an all-time high, and being able to finish off the game with a goal has been the happiest feeling for me yet this season!

MSR: What is your favorite team highlight in sports?

HANNAH: Every time my team comes together whether it's for a game, or just hanging out, there's always something memorable that happens. The chemistry our team has this year at Prairie is just awesome and every time we step on the field win or lose, we're a family, and that's something I'm very thankful for.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

HANNAH: I'd love to play DI soccer after my high school career comes to an end. Right now I'm just enjoying being able to play in high school and working towards advancing to the next level wherever it takes me.

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

HANNAH: My family has been my greatest support system in sports throughout my life. They've dragged me around to every game and every meet I've had and have always encouraged me to do my best in whatever I choose to do. Every coach I've had from my early club years up until now have also had a huge impact on the athlete I am today.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

HANNAH: My favorite classes are science and history by far.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

HANNAH: My favorite community service project I've done would have to be when I helped coach the rec soccer leagues out at Prairie. The little kids are great and quite entertaining to be around. Being able to contribute what I  know to help shape the future of Prairie soccer is a very rewarding feeling.