Magdalena’s Montoya signs with Trinidad College

Magdalena’s Kambree Montoya had knotted the laces and was prepared to hang up her basketball shoes after a career that included a state tournament this past season, and then her phone rang. On the other end was Trinidad College’s head women’s basketball coach Jenny Hugins and she wanted Montoya to consider becoming a Trojan.

In today’s world of modern technology and companies dedicated to producing recruitment videos Hugins is still ground pounding and she knew about Montoya’s senior year and postseason which included a New Mexico High School Coaches Association All-Star selection.

After basketball season, Montoya was focused on graduating from high school, and her college plans included getting a degree in early childhood care.

Huggins is more focused on Montoya’s potential and the player she believes Montoya is capable of becoming. There may have been a whisper or two of encouragement from her former teammate and friend Hailey Apachito, who signed out of Alamo Navajo last year.

First, Montoya spoke to her family about the prospect of being a prospect player for the Trojans, and then she turned to her head coach, Sara Sue Olney.

“It was a little bit of a surprise. She got a phone call from the coach, I guess somebody had given Kambree’s name. I wasn’t sure that’s what she wanted to do. Kambree came and asked for some advice,” Olney said.

Olney may have been surprised at the offer, but she was more than encouraging.

“I told Kambree you never know unless you try. I told her to at least go see the school. See what it’s like.⯠See if it’s something that you think you’d like to do. She went over there and really enjoyed it. She wants to give it a shot, which I don’t blame her for,” Olney said.

Montoya wasn’t heralded as a marquee player, but the application of extra effort and the ability to assume roles are enormous assets. Montoya also has the size and physical strength to be a defensive force. Her campus visit sealed the deal, and she’s excited about taking on a new challenge

“After I signed, I felt really good about it because I love the game of basketball, and Coach Olney has brought about so much love for the game for me. My past coach Marleen Greenwood, she has a lot to do with it too. I want to carry on what she loved doing, and I want to have fun and inspire other girls and know that they can do it, too,” Montoya said.

Montoya also likes how her attending college at Trinidad will work out logistically.

“It’s a comfortable distance comfortable. It’s pretty far from home, but I have a big support system that will be going up there to watch me play,” Montoya said. “I’m also really excited about having Hailey as a teammate again.”