Columbiana girls soccer senior Madison Janis will continue her academic and soccer careers at NCAA Div. I Mercyhurst University next fall. Pictured (from left) are brother Mason Janis, father and coach Jason Janis, Madison Janis and mother Heidi Janis.

COLUMBIANA — Columbiana High School senior Madison Janis signed on Wednesday to continue her academic and soccer careers at Mercyhurst University next fall.

Janis is the first Columbiana girls soccer player to sign with an NCAA Div. I institution. Mercyhurst plays in the NEC and has been a Div. I program since 2024.

Her father and coach Jason Janis said Madison overcame a medical condition that required knee surgery at the age of 10 as well as dyslexia to earn the opportunity to play at the Div. I level.

“When I started coaching her, we won just four games my first season,” Janis said. “I never would have thought that I would still be here 7 years later, but here I am. During that time, we have been able to accomplish a great deal — breaking program records three years in-a-row and being the only public Division V school to make two district finals in the last two years. It would be scary to see what we could accomplish if we could make the most of our off season. It is a very proud moment for me as a coach to see how far this program has come. However, when you are able to help an athlete get the opportunity to compete at the next level it’s truly special. I’m blessed to call the one today my daughter.”

Madison is part of a group of Columbiana soccer seniors that carry a 3.7 or higher GPA.