Throughout the season, UCC Women's Basketball will be highlighting a Lady Owl in the new series OUTSTANDING OWL to help our lady owls tell their story. To kick off our series, we are highlighting Coach Marbely Montas.
WHAT EXPERIENCES MADE YOU GET INTO COACHING?
Basketball has shaped and taught me unforgettable life lessons that, till this day, I follow. I got into coaching to teach the game I love and to share those experiences and lessons learned, hoping to make an impact on the next generation of young ladies.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS?
My favorite part is being able to mentor and impact the lives of young ladies every day.
WHAT IS A FUN FACT THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I was born in the Dominican Republic, in a small town called San Cristobal.
WHAT VALUES DO YOU TRY TO INSTILL INTO THE STUDENT-ATHLETES?
Hard work, dedication and resilience, all of which will make them successful young ladies on and off the court.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A UNION OWL?
It means to fight through adversity, with pride, heart and grit. There's no let up, there's no give up. We compete from tip-off to zero on the clock and the final buzzer sounds.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR INCOMING PLAYERS, HOW HAS PRESEASON BEEN FOR THE LADY OWLS?
The incoming players are hungry, eager to learn and all bring different strengths to the team. As for the preseason, it has been a tough one, but we take it a day at a time and make it a point to focus on the little things. As we continue to build chemistry and accomplish our daily goal, I see us getting better every day.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS UPCOMING SEASON?
We had a great season last year finishing 2nd in the nation in the NJCAA tournament, and this years' team understands success of the past doesn't automatically mean success for the future. They have to earn their own achievements and make their own name in the owl jersey. Past teams and those successful seasons have laid a great foundation for this team and the season to come. Expectations are high, and I look forward to this team burning the torch lit by previous teams even brighter, but we are remaining level headed and taking it a day at a time.