Sophomore quarterback Janell Chavoya is quickly becoming one of South El Monte High School’s brightest stars—both in the classroom and on the field. Balancing academics and athletics is never easy, but Janell makes it look effortless. Earning A’s and B’s in all her classes, she proves that hard work and discipline pay off.

As the quarterback of the South El Monte girls’ flag football team, Janell has been instrumental in leading her squad toward a league title this season. Her leadership and composure under pressure have earned her the respect of teammates and coaches alike. “She’s the kind of player who makes everyone around her better,” one coach said. “She leads by example—both in effort and attitude.”

Before becoming an Eagle, Janell attended Shively Middle School in South El Monte, where she excelled academically and competed in elite travel baseball and soccer teams. Her love for football started at home—introduced to the sport by her father, a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and competitive soccer player. Interestingly, her parents’ story sounds like something out of a movie: her father was born on Catalina Island, where he met Janell’s mother, a passionate Miami Dolphins fan, during a camping trip. The two fell in love, and her father eventually left the island to pursue her mother in Los Angeles.

That same dedication and drive clearly run in the family. Janell takes pride in her athletic ability, work ethic, and coachability. “I love being part of a team and building those bonds through competition,” she said. “It teaches you so much about trust, effort, and leadership.”

Beyond flag football, Janell is a three-sport athlete, also playing point guard on the girls’ basketball team and competing in track and field, where she runs the 100- and 200-meter dash. Her talents don’t stop at sports—she also enjoys painting, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her siblings, especially her younger twin brother and sister.

Family is central to Janell’s life. Her older brother, who attends San Francisco State University and is studying to become an engineer, serves as a major role model for her. Janell hopes to follow in his footsteps by attending San Francisco State as well—and maybe even continuing her flag football journey there.

When asked who her hero is, Janell didn’t hesitate. “My mom,” she said. “She’s the hardest worker I know.”

In the future, Janell plans to pursue a career in sports, possibly as an athletic trainer, therapist, or sports psychologist. With her humility, dedication, and focus, she’s already well on her way to success.

Her favorite quote, from basketball legend Michael Jordan, sums up her attitude perfectly:

“Failure always makes me try harder the next time.”

At just fifteen, Janell Chavoya has already built a reputation for excellence, leadership, and character. It’s clear that her story—both on and off the field—is only getting started.