More than an Athlete: Janina Remley
Janina Remley, a junior on the Flames Softball team, is one of many athletes who has traveled far to join the Lee Flames. From San Diego, California, her love for softball began at home and brought her over two thousand miles to Lee University.
Remley is a sports management major with a minor in coaching. When searching for a college, she said she looked for an energizing school with natural features.
“I really wanted to see green. It was cool to just see green all around while flying over. There are so many trees!” Remley said. “We don’t have these many trees. We have palm trees and then skyscrapers.”
According to Remley, her parents played an essential role in her athletic career and personal development by coaching and encouraging her along the way. When reflecting on her childhood, Remley expressed her gratitude for her parents who cheered her on rather than pressuring her.
“I’m so lucky because my parents are so nurturing and kind,” Remley said. “A lot of people are pressed when they are younger, and then they get burnt out and don’t enjoy it. My family has always taught if you’re not enjoying something, then don’t do it.”
After dedicating 15 years to playing softball, Remley said she is grateful for the time she has spent and the time she has left in the sport.
“You don’t get to play athletics that long, so it’s a lot about treasuring your time,” Remley said. “A lot of people, when they find their hobby, they do it the rest of their life. There’s only a certain period of life when you’re going to be healthy enough or committed enough to play.”
The 2020 season suddenly ended when the NCAA halted athletics due to COVID-19. Despite new safety protocols, Remley said this season has given her team a new hunger for the game.
“[The protocols] are worth it as long as we get to play because [the last season] was snatched from us,” Remley said. “We were in the middle of practice, and [our] coach explained the NCAA canceled our season, and the GSC canceled conference championships. So, she told us to go home.”
As her team moves forward after last year’s challenges, Remley is approaching her senior year at Lee. She said she is hopeful for her future, knowing hard work and tenacity will get her anywhere she wants to go.
“A lot of the people in whatever realm you’re looking into didn’t expect to be where they are right now,” Remley said. “They worked hard and ended up in a position they enjoyed. I’m excited to go somewhere [although] I’m not exactly sure where it is.”
