Athlete of the Week: Janai Coleman

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Robert Vela High School senior Janai Coleman eclipsed the 2,000-point milestone in a first-round win against Mercedes.

Coleman's three-pointer in the second quarter sealed the deal. It was a moment she had been waiting for.

“I’m just very excited that I got my 2,000 my senior year," Coleman said. "I’m just so excited for that and to celebrate it with my team.”

Coleman is a silent leader for this year's squad. It's not a lot of talk when she steps onto the floor.

Lottie Zarate, Vela girls basketball head coach, said her body of work speaks for itself.

“She’s not your rah-rah type of kid," Zarate said. "During gameday, you know that she’s going to go out there and give it 100 percent, and she’s a beast. I tell her,'You’re a beast. Nobody is going to stop you.'”

Getting to 2,000 points was not easy for Janai. She dealt with an injury late in Vela's season.

After missing several practices leading up to the round one match-up, Coleman was unsure if she would even get the chance to reach the milestone.

"I felt a little rusty at the beginning," she said. "Other than that, I started to get some momentum and just try not to worry about the injury too much and just play how I play usually.”

Following the 64-30 win against Mercedes, the celebration was on.

Balloons, a banner, and presents were awaiting Coleman after the game. It was not only a special moment for Janai, but also her entire family.

Zarate expressed her appreciation for Coleman over the past four seasons. She reiterated not only her work ethic but how hard it is for any high school athlete to reach 2,000 points.

“I’m just so happy that she’s a part of our program," Zarate said. She provides leadership to our program, and of course, 2,000 points is a huge milestone for a high school student.”

Coleman's high school career came to an end on Feb. 20, after a loss to Flour-Bluff in the third round of the playoffs.