WXXV Student Athlete of the Week: Gulfport High’s Brooklynn Montana
This week’s WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Gulfport High senior Brooklynn Montana, is a dedicated member of the softball and volleyball programs, having started on varsity for both since she was in seventh grade.
Head Volleyball Coach David Irwin said, “It’s generational. I mean, you just don’t see those kinds of kids come around. When I got here, the program needed a lift, and she’s the kind of player you can build around.”
By the time Brooklynn Montana graduates as a part of the class of 2023, she’ll be the volleyball program’s all-time leader in sets played, having never missed a match for the Lady Admirals and the thing is, that’s not even her first true love. “I started playing softball when I was about four. And then volleyball, I didn’t start until I was in the sixth grade. I was at my mom’s school and then they had a club going on, and she was like, you should go try this out. So, then I went in the gym, and they were like, you’re really good to be your first time. So that’s when I started, and then I started playing varsity my seventh-grade year.”
Montana has been a varsity starter on both teams ever since. Softball Coach Kristi Basso said, “She started out in seventh grade with braces and a big old smile, and Brooklynn stepped into a role that was definitely needed, and we saw her as a seventh grader and we knew she could contribute immediately and she has. She’s lived up to that. Every day she comes in with a great work ethic, always willing to work extra and she’s just kind of fallen into a great leader that everybody else turns to.”
That leadership on full display during her junior year, hitting eight home runs and taking home MVP honors for Region 8 Class 6A en route to Gulfport’s first district title in at least a decade.
Montana says her collegiate future is in softball, but as for right now, her favorite sport is whichever one is in season. “My family has definitely been big on being committed to a team, so when you say you’re committed, you’re always there no matter what, so I like to be there for my team. And then not missing a game, it just makes me feel really proud that I was able to do that throughout those years. And that’s just a big part of who I am, is I want to be there for all of my teammates.”
Committed to the team and committed to the sports individually. Even though Montana isn’t taking volleyball with her when her high school career ends, she chooses to keep playing because of her love for the game and the people around her. “She’s one of the greatest players I’ve ever been around, ever coached, and the fact that you know, she’s a softball player, but she’s never wavered to her commitment to us, you know, in volleyball, and being here to help us be as good as we can be.”
Being a dual-sport athlete and starting on both teams for six straight years is far from easy. Montana says her strong believe system is what keeps her going while also keeping a smile on her face. “I definitely think my faith is a big part of it. It does get stressful some times, and mental health is a big thing, so I like using God and using and praying and all that. It really helps me get through it and stay happy and have a positive mindset.”
Montana and her volleyball Admirals have their next home match on September 6th against Hancock.
