Senior Spotlight: Janelle Wade, Softball
Mercy College Athletics caught up with senior Janelle Wade of the Mercy College Softball Team for the week seven release of a weekly Senior Spotlight series that will have a new senior interviewed every Monday. The Senior Spotlight Series allows Maverick fans to get to know Mercy student-athletes on and off of the playing field and court.
Wade enters her final season as a Maverick after concluding the 2016 season as a crucial member to the Mavericks squad. Wade appeared in 34 games, recording 71 at bats for the Mavericks. She finished the season with 11 hits, 10 runs scored, and two RBI. Wade had her best game of the season in the 3-2 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas on Apr. 17 when she singled home to drive in the tying run.
We spoke with the Business Administration student from West Chester, Pa. to learn more about her experiences as a Maverick.
Q: How did you start playing softball and how did you decide your position?
A: My whole family is baseball fans so my parents introduced me to softball when I was 3 years old. My mom played softball and basketball and my dad played baseball, basketball, and football so my family is huge on sports. My family are my biggest supporters and always have been. I don't know what I would have done without them pushing me to achieve my highest level of potential. They are the reason I am who I am today. In regards to positions, I was first a pitcher up until high school, but my high school team needed a shortstop so I played there for 4 years. I was recruited as a shortstop at first and played shortstop my freshman year. Sophomore year I played both shortstop and second base, and junior year I played just second base. Currently I am playing in the outfield and love it. Wherever coach and the team need me to play I will.
Q: Why did you choose to come to Mercy?
A: I knew I wanted to play softball at the Division II level, so when Coach Fazio showed up at one of my travel ball tournaments and recruited me shortly after I had a good feeling about it. Being from Pennsylvania, I've always wanted to go to New York. One of the main reasons I chose Mercy was because of the Business Honors Program. The endless opportunities for jobs is awesome since New York City is just a short train ride away. It was such an amazing program that I couldn't resist and the fact that I can live out my dream of playing a college sport on top of that was too desirable to not take.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about this season?
A: There are so many factors that I am excited about for this upcoming season. Our overall team chemistry is so strong thing year. We have the most talented team since I've been here. The depth of the team is unlike anything we've had in a while. This is my last season so I'm looking forward to just enjoying the game with some of my best friends for one last time. This season in particular is extra special for us because we will be playing for our friend, Nick Daley, who passed away. We know we have him watching over us and we will give it our all for him.
Q: What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
A: I think one of the greatest lessons I have learned from a being a student-athlete would be how to imply what I learn on the field to the classroom and vice versa. On the field I find myself leading the younger players, and in the classroom I can use those same leadership skills to help lead a group project or assignment. I can use numerous skills from being a part of a team and implement them into the classroom. These skills learned from being a student-athlete can help in the business world as well.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I enjoy eating, watching professional sports on TV, and spending time with my friends. I also love playing basketball, watching movies, and listening to music. Our team is so close that we spend most of each day with each other and there's never a dull moment with us. Capturing quality memories with my friends before I graduate is something I value so much.
Q: What is a piece of advice that you would give to your freshman-self?
A: I would tell my freshman-self to not stress about the little things and enjoy every moment of college since it ends so soon. My freshman year I was constantly stressed out and worried about everything. Looking back, I wish I could relive the moments when I first stepped foot on campus. Just enjoy the times while you still have them.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I graduate in May with my bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus in Sports Management. I was just recently accepted into the One-Year MBA Program here at Mercy so I will be pursing my master's degree and will graduate in May of 2018. After I graduate with my MBA my dream job would be to work for the NBA, but until then just baby steps.
