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Palmer Trinity School (PTS) senior Emily Montes recently signed with Columbia University to continue her basketball career at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level.
“I decided to commit to Columbia early in my junior year because it ticked every checkbox when it came down to my priorities — great program, amazing academics, loyal coach, and family-oriented culture,” Montes said.
At Columbia University, Montes hopes to win an Ivy League title. She looks to major in biology on the pre-med track.
Montes started playing basketball at age 3 with her father George Montes, PTS director of Annual Funds and head coach, at his basketball camps in order to spend more time with him.
Fifteen years later, it is only fitting that Montes plays for her father as the senior leader on Palmer Trinity’s Varsity Girls Basketball team. Montes will never take for granted the time spent learning from her dad. While she admits he coaches her hard, she is appreciative how far it has gotten her and how it has never affected their father-daughter relationship.
“Emily plays with an intensity and an edge that is truly special,” George Montes said. ‘As a coach, when your primary ball handler exhibits that kind of confidence and fearlessness, it gives you a peace of mind knowing that everything is going to be just fine. As a father, that competitive spirit just makes you proud.”
Beyond her relationship with her father, Montes is most thankful for her teammates.
“I have had these same teammates for the past four years and making memories with these people I call sisters has been the best time of my life. We have forged a bond that is extraordinary,” Montes said.
Montes also enjoys the ability to mentor younger players on the team. She is adamant to advise younger students to not take the time for granted and to enjoy all time spent with their teammates.
Throughout her time at Palmer Trinity, Montes has been named First Team All-Dade in 2022 and Second Team All-Dade in 2020 and 2021. Through her junior year, Montes holds the school record for rebounds in a season (188), rebounds in a career (493), assists in a career (305), and steals in a career (341). She also holds the school record for Javelin (32.01m). In addition to Palmer Trinity Basketball, Montes has competed nationally at the club level with the Lady Jaguars and Team Knight.
Off the court, Montes loves to cook as it not only ensures she is eating properly and gaining the nutrients she needs to be successful, but it also allows her to take stress off and just relax. In her free time, Montes enjoys volunteering as a youth basketball coach.
For more information about Palmer Trinity School, visit www.palmertrinity.org.
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