MIAMI – The FIU softball program has added Puerto Rico National Team member Janelle Martinez to its most recent signing class, head coach Mike Larabee announced on Thursday.
"We are very excited that Janelle Martinez has selected FIU to finish up her college career," Larabee said. "She is an outstanding athlete that can play a variety of positions at a very high level. She is also an incredible hitter who I believe can compete for a spot in the middle of our lineup."
Martinez was a member of the Puerto Rico National Team that competed in the 2022 Pan American Games. The Puerto Rico National Team is currently ranked fifth worldwide and also includes current FIU assistant coach Aleimalee Lopez and volunteer assistant coach Taran Alvelo.
"Janelle was teammates with our two assistant coaches Aleima Lopez and Taran Alvelo that competed in the Pan American game qualifier in Guatemala in November. Martinez played very well against some of the top countries in the world including the United States."
Martinez will join the Panthers for the 2024 season with junior eligibility after competing during her first two collegiate seasons at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla.
During the 2022 season, Martinez posted a .418 batting average with 65 RBI and four home runs. She scored 39 times and swiped 10 bases. She posted multiple hits in 21 games and only struck out 16 times in 165 at bats.
The native of Ponce, Puerto Rico has seen time both as a catcher and in the outfield and was honored as a member of the 2022 FCSAA All-Tournament Team following her freshman campaign at Chipola College.
Martinez is the sixth member of a signing class that also includes Natalie Burns (C/Bloomington, Ind.), Grace Helbling (P/1B/OF – Bedminster, Pa.), Zamya McBurrows (SS – Lake Wales, Fla.), Kally Meredith (OF – Kaukauna, Wis.) and Jewelie Vanderkous (P/2B – North Port, Fla.).
Each of the new student-athletes will join the Panthers' program beginning in Fall 2023.
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