Over the years, Janae Matos literally has kept the faith both on and off the field for the Roughies.

On the field, Matos has collected her share of rewards as well as the respect of her teammates and coaches across the Lehigh Valley for her dedication and sportsmanship toward the sports she continually has developed an incessant passion through the years.

Off the field, Matos also has the same zeal for her faith that has been a parallel to her athletic endeavors.

"I really think my religious faith has really helped me," said Matos, a senior, who is a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Allentown. "Growing up, I have always gone to church. I always have been very active in my church. My faith has helped me form the person that I am.

"I am always trying to do what is right for myself and everyone."

Matos has been active in the church's annual vacation Bible school, working and organizing games for the youth in the parish. Within a typical year, Matos becomes involved in a variety of activities.

Head softball coach Bobby Thomas knows Matos' contributions outside the sport, and the impact she has through her efforts.

"Janae (Matos) has always been a born leader and an outstanding young woman," said Thomas. "Over the last four years, Janae has exhibited great leadership, dedication, and a work ethic. She has set an example of how to succeed in life for every player on the team.

"Since she was a freshman, Janae has set that kind of example every day. Players like Janae inspire me to do the right things in my life."

Athletic director Tom Moll also recognized and watched Matos' leadership abilities and genuine nature develop beginning in her freshman year.

"She (Matos) is a tremendous leader," said Moll. "She has been one of strongest leaders we have ever had at the school. Any time I have thoughts or ideas about a team or something for the department, I'm not afraid to bounce it off her.

"She is a quality young woman from a quality family."

Moll cited how Matos could have forsaken her basketball career, likely the least involved aside her field hockey and softball careers, but she stayed the course.

"Basketball would be the sport out of the three in which she struggled a bit," stated Moll. "But she stuck it out. She didn't want to let her teammates down and run the risk of the program not having enough players.

"She is a solid student and person who always does the right thing and what is best for her teams and programs."

Being the true unselfish player she is, Matos hasn't focused on any personal goals this season. Her accomplishment-laced softball career has earned her a ticket to Moravian College next fall, where she will pursue a degree in psychology and sociology with a minor in neuroscience. While working her way through a challenging major, Matos will play softball at the Bethlehem campus.

"Right now, I just want to win another league title and a district title this year," said Matos. "I am really looking forward to the season getting under way. We have a lot of girls back, but this is a new year for us.

"We know teams will be out to get us, but we're just going to take one game at a time."

That concept has alerted Matos to realize that every game in a Roughie uniform will be among her last this spring.

"It is finally hitting me that this is my last season," related Matos. "I want to really cherish every moment and every game. We want to win one for coach Thomas. I want to make it as memorable as I can for everyone."

For the past four years, plenty of people around Catasauqua have been grateful for his efforts and contributions.