Rumson-Fair Haven Regional senior Janae Mayfield signs her letter of intent to play Division I Basketball at St. Peter’s University, as her parents John and Davida look on.
Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School
Janae Mayfield, a student at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, signed her letter of intent to play NCAA Division I Basketball for St. Peter’s University in Jersey City. The RFH senior put pen to paper and made it official on the morning of Wednesday, April 15.
Janae’s sources of support were behind her on signing day, held in the RFH Lower Library. She was joined by parents Davida and John of Fair Haven; sister and brother-in law Jasmynn and Jarrod Bright; brother Johnny; grandmother Sallie Pierce; niece Nola Bright; Aunt Dietria Pierce; Coach Eliot Runyon; AAU Coach Ali Napolitano; and RFH Coach George Sourlis.
“My parents put a basketball in my hands when I was four years old,” said Janae. “I loved watching my older siblings play, and as I got older my dad and I would shoot hoops in the driveway while I waited for my school bus.”
Introduced to organized basketball in fourth grade, Janae was fortunate to play for South Brunswick Travel Coach Eliot Runyon, whose Assistant Coach was Janae’s mom Davida.
“Coach Eliot taught me the game, and I began to have a passion for basketball,” Janae said. “He told me ‘defense wins the game, always take the high road, and have fun.’”
Academics were foremost on the minds of Janae’s parents when they made the decision to send her to RFH. Janae achieved High Honor Roll consistently since her freshman year, and found success on the court as well, playing Varsity as a freshman, and becoming a Captain/starter in her junior year.
While playing for RFH Girls Basketball Coach George Sourlis — an RFH alum who now holds the Shore Conference record for the most wins of any basketball coach (626) — Janae enjoyed some truly memorable moments. She was on the court when RFH earned a State Title, and when Sourlis earned his landmark 600th win.
Janae says that her faith in God and the support of her parents, grandmother, siblings, extended family, trainers, coaches – middle school, AAU, and high school — and her teammates are the driving force behind her success. She also expressed gratitude to the “amazing” coaches at St. Peter’s University for giving her this opportunity.
