Janiah began wrestling in grade 9 at Chicopee High School, located just a few miles outside of Springfield. She realized her goal of becoming a four-time state champion by capturing the MIAA title at 105 lbs in 2019, another MIAA championship at 108 lbs in 2020 (while leading her team to a title as well), a Massachusetts Wrestling Association state crown in 2021, and her final title at 106 lbs in 2022.

During the off-season, Janiah trained at Krazy Monkeys Wrestling Club in Springfield with fellow teammate Destiny Cruz and others.

Three quotes from a sports journalism article by Ernad Minic reveal Janiah’s character and mindset. The article, entitled “Fighting Back - Chicopee’s Janiah Baez Takes Opponents and Critics Head On,” was featured in the January 12, 2022 edition of Chicopee High School’s The Penthouse Perspective.

“When I wrestle girls, it’s a completely different story. It’s like ‘alright. This is competition. This is where it matters.’ If I’m a girl wrestling a guy, I can take a loss. But against a girl? It’s like ‘who are you to beat me up?’ I want to inflict damage. When I’m up against another girl, it’s personal,” Baez made clear.

“Part of being a student athlete is surpassing the struggle. I deal with severe anxiety and a massive load of schoolwork. I hadn’t participated in sports up until I began wrestling, so time management was tough at first. I’m proud of my ability to surpass my struggle. Instead of letting the negativity weigh me down, I just do what I do best-- I fight back,” clarified Baez.

“I just do not get tired. Even if I’m getting beaten up, thrown around, and they were to say ‘let’s do it again,’ guess what? I’m doing exactly that,” said Baez with a smile.