Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Sutton Janata

The Windermere Wildfire 14U team is hot off a recent USFA state championship and now is preparing for the USFA World Series in Panama City. Sutton Janata has played for the Wildfire team since its inception and is an exceptional shortstop with hopes to join West Orange High’s softball team upon beginning her freshman year this fall. 

What was going through your mind when you guys won?

It was very exciting, and all the pressure of winning the state tournament just like flew off, and it was really fun to beat the team and win the state title.

What are you most excited about for World Series?

It’s like a whole week tournament, so we’re going to stay in a condo on the beach. So after we play a game, we’re going to go hang out on the beach and stuff, so I’m most excited for playing that whole week with the team.

How did you get into softball?

My dad got me into tee ball when I was 4 or 5, and I always wanted to play because my brother played baseball so I was like, “Oh, I want to be like him!”

What’s your end goal with softball?

My goal is to play college softball. I don’t really have a dream school, but I’ve always wanted to play at Florida. 

Is there any advice you’ve been given that sticks with you out on the field?

To slow the game down so it doesn’t speed you up and it’s not as fast. Play-by-play, where to go when you get the ball, know where you’re going before you get the ball so you know exactly what play to go and how to make it.

What’s your favorite quote?

“It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” My dad told it to me, he tells the team a lot. If you’re losing, it’s not over, and you have to go back and keep fighting. Sometimes you come back and win, so it’s not over until it’s over.

What’s the team dynamic like?

When we’re up on a team we’re very energetic and out there, like, “We want to play, we want to win.” Sometimes when we’re losing, we get down, but then we get fired up, like we want to beat this team. It’s very energetic, and we’re loud in the dugout and talking on the field.

Any favorite musical artists at the moment?

Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato. They’re really what I listen to.

What’s your all-time favorite meal?

Probably steak, mashed potatoes and corn, and maybe chocolate milk right there. We used to have that once in a while, like on a special occasion, at my house, and I’ve always savored it.

Do you have any pets at home?

We have a dog, Oreo, who’s a Morkie (Maltese and Yorkie).

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Probably Hawaii. I don’t know, it just seems so amazing — beautiful sunsets, and the beaches just seem awesome.