In two short years, Catasauqua's Janae Matos has established herself as one of the premier athletes in the school's program as well as in the Colonial League. During that time, Matos has gained the recognition of her own coaches and peers and others along the way with her recognition as being a team leader in several ways and receiving her share of awards from the league and beyond.

Most find it hard to believe Matos will be entering her junior year, as she has already carved out her niche in the Catty sports annals. One of her latest honors was being named the Catasauqua Press "Female Athlete of the Year."

Through it all, though, she has taken her success in the strides of a senior.

"It's kind of cool when something like this happens," said the soft-spoken Matos, who is a person of few words and many actions. "To me, it proves that all my hard work has paid off. I know I only have been with the program for a few years, but I haven't really thought about it.

"I just go out there and do the best I can. I love playing sports as much as I can."

At Catty, Matos has developed herself into mainstay on the Roughies' softball, field hockey, and basketball programs. Her true love is softball, a sport she began playing at the age of four in a T-ball program.

She also had some inspiration from her older sister, Jessica, who also played softball in the Roughies' program.

"Softball has always been my favorite sport," she said. "I remember playing when I was very young, and I was hooked on it from the start. My sister played and I saw what she was doing. Also, my father (Jose) always had me playing as much as possible."

Matos' love of softball lead her on a map toward playing the game nearly year-round as she has done in recent years. She also quickly became a staple on the school's program, becoming a regular at first base her freshman year and behind the plate this past season.

"Janae (Matos) is one of those players that only come around once in a while," said head softball coach Bobby Thomas. "She (Matos) showed us that she could step right into the starting lineup. (Matos) has been an inspiration and a leader to the girls, and she is always striving to get better.

"It's a blessing to have her around for a couple of more years."

Matos' desire to compete hasn't slowed in the past two years. Playing three sports, Matos doesn't need a break. Instead, she continues to sharpen her competitive edge.

One of her recent highlights was being a part of the 12-and-under ASA state championship softball team. This past June, Matos was a member of the Lehigh Valley entry in the annual Carpenter Cup softball championships in Philadelphia.

"I love to compete at anything," she stressed. "Once I started playing when I was young, I have always been that way. I am always looking for a sport to play or a game. It is just my nature. My father has always been there with me, and he is always looking for outlets for me."

While her softball career already has a rich history, Matos has strived to cultivate her roots in basketball and field hockey. She recalled how she began playing basketball in second grade due to the influence of Jane and Dave Schubert, her softball coaches at the time. Matos began playing field hockey in seventh grade and has emerged as the team's starting goalie.

"I like playing goalie because it gives you a different perspective of the game," said Matos of her field hockey career. I tried it (playing goalie) and thought it would be a challenge. It has been fun."

Her goals for the upcoming season are helping her field hockey squad and softball teams get back to districts, and also aiding her basketball team in netting some wins. The Roughies' basketball team has won just one game over the past two seasons.

"I just want to win a few games this year," quipped Matos on her hoops' team troubles. "We all worked hard and know we can do it this season. We also know we have to get past the first round of districts in softball and get the field hockey team back to where it should be."

Her basketball coach recognizes her commitment.

"Janae (Matos) is one of the hardest working and most competitive girls on the team," said head girls' basketball coach Chad Werkheiser. "She (Matos) would try and get to every game she could with her summer softball schedule. She wants to win and turn the program around. She has developed over the past two years and we expect big things from her this winter."

When she isn't playing sports, Matos has found the time to become an active member of the school's student council and Varsity C club. She would like to pursue a degree in sports psychology and plans on playing softball. Matos would feel comfortable playing in her backyard during her college years, but she will also explore options around the country.

Until then, however, she plans on keeping her pedal to the medal.

"I have been enjoying myself this summer," Matos said. "I have been playing as much as I can. I know school will start soon and there will be more challenges ahead. I just want to stay competitive and always been the best I can be."

Fortunately for Catasauqua, she has two more years to prove it.