Janke becomes first ProStar Fastpitch DI commitment, headed to UTC
The ProStar Fastpitch softball program has more milestones to celebrate with Rayanna "RJ" Janke.
Only days after committing to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Janke helped the USA Elite Future All-American 14under softball team to fourth place finish in Kissimmee, Fla. The Coahulla Creek freshman was 10-of-14 for the week with three doubles, a home run, a sac fly, a walk and seven RBIs.
Janke - who is the fourth player overall and first-ever Division I commitment in the one-year history of ProStar - said she's looking forward to her future with the Mocs, and thankful to those who have supported her along the way. That includes her parents Ken and Michelle Janke, ProStar CEO Steve Chattin and coach Hammontree.
"I feel extremely humbled to be receiving a scholarship offer at my age and I give thanks to God," Janke said. "I know people will question this decision at my age but I loved my unofficial visit to Chattanooga. The coaching staff is exactly what I was looking for and it was easy to interact with coach (Frank) Reed and his staff."
Chattin said Janke, who spent most of the past year playing shortstop and catching for ProStar although she's projected to play second and third base with the Blue-andGold, was "extremely mature" and commended her efforts through the recruiting process.
"From a softball standpoint RJ is one of the best if not the best power hitters we have ever coached for her age," he said. "She led our whole organization in home runs this past year. She is capable of playing multiple infield positions and catcher."
Janke said UTC was the complete package for her, and her family was "blown away by the attention to detail their Academic Advisor showed them.
"I feel that I can go to UTC and succeed on the softball field and in the classroom," she said. "I know that I must continue to work and continue to improve to be the player I want to be, and the player that UTC is expecting in four years!"
Chattin said Janke pushes herself to be the best, and sets a good example for her teammates to do the same.
"She's always one of the first at practice and one of the last ones to leave practice," he said. "She is a leader and puts tremendous pressure on herself to perform well for the team. This past year has been a pure pleasure in assisting her and her family through the recruiting process. I am confident she will continue to work , continue to improve and will impact UTC as a freshman.
Rayanna Janke wasn't the only ProStar player to be commended for her efforts in the USA Elite Future AllAmerican 14-under softball tourney, according to ProStar CEO Steve Chattin and coach.
He said RJ's teammate, Kaylie Frogge of Heritage was also a huge help despite recovering from shoulder labrum surgery. Although she wasn't able to play, she chose to help call pitches and coach the bases.
"As their coach and the leader of ProStar Fastpitch I could not be any prouder of the way they represented us," he said.