Her Story
About Janae
Janae Shirley serves as head coach of the East Texas Baptist University softball program in Marshall, Texas, where she is beginning her twentieth year leading the team. After playing collegiately at Midland College and then East Texas Baptist University, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology in 2005 and remained at the institution to take over the softball program shortly after completing her playing career. Shirley later earned a master's degree in sports and exercise leadership in 2016 and became a Certified Personal Trainer through that program. Under her leadership the team has secured two national championships, and she has built a unique leadership structure focused on developing student athletes into leaders who communicate effectively, see the big picture, and prioritize their relationship with Christ. Shirley is an active member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and supports initiatives such as Strikeout Cancer and an on-campus cancer fund, as well as a pen pal program that has connected her athletes with over 110 children since 2020. She attributes her success to early opportunities, genuine communication with recruits, and her ability to foster an environment of mutual respect among team members, all while balancing her role as a mother alongside her husband who coaches with her in the university's family-oriented atmosphere.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janae
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to people being willing to give me an opportunity early in my career. Being genuine when talking to student athletes and parents about my experience opened doors for good players. My ability to manage people and create an environment where team members respect each other even if they are not best friends has been key in women's athletics.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was that people's perception is their reality, so to change their perception you have to change the reality. Also, fake it till you make it - have confidence in what you're doing so people perceive it as confidence and believe in what you say, especially as a young female head coach in a male-dominated field.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find your players and get them to respect you first, then learn the sport specifics later since you can always learn and grow. Have confidence and fake it till you make it, especially when entering a male-dominated area.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It is a very challenging career if you are a mom because of road trips and managing both parts. At our university it works because it is a family atmosphere and my husband coaches with me, allowing my children to be involved.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My relationship with Christ has to be at the forefront of everything, then my family next. In growing student athletes, it is about giving them tools to be successful, learn to communicate and see the big picture, but none of that matters if they do not have a relationship with Christ.
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