EPISD Student Spotlight: Briana Montoya, Chapin High
(CHAPIN HIGH SCHOOL -- Jan. 18, 2022) — Just before the holidays, Chapin High basketball standout Briana Montoya hit her 1,000th career point — a feat not many pleayers achieve. The guard, who began playing basketball and softball at age 5, hopes to play college ball and major in kinesiology or mathematics. The Chapin shortstop also stays active in school as an engineering magnet student and in StuCo. Community Engagement sat down with her virtually for this edition of the EPISD Student Spotlight.
EPISD: Tell us about hitting your 1,000th point in basketball. How did you feel when you landed it?
BRIANA MONTOYA: Hitting my 1,000th point in basketball was a huge accomplishment for me. I felt grateful to be able to play the game I love for so long and I was just pleased with the recognition by my coaches, teammates, and my family.
EPISD: What are your hopes for this season?
BM: As a senior this year, I am hoping to finish my high school career with no regrets. I want to be able to look back and realize that I gave it my all in every game and practice. Additionally, making it far in the playoffs is another hope for this season.
EPISD: What position do you play in softball?
BM: In softball I play shortstop and I have been blessed to be able to play this sport since I was 5 along with basketball.
EPISD: What sport do you like best and why?
BM: I frequently get asked this question and it has always been a hard decision for me to make being that I have played both sports for basically my whole life.
EPISD: How do you balance school with athletics and StuCo?
BM: It is definitely challenging, but time management is the biggest thing and trusting the process plays a key role. I believe all the late nights studying or doing homework and all the sacrifices are going to pay off someday.
EPISD: Where do you plan to go to college and do you plan to play basketball?
BM: I am still open and uncommitted to what college I will attend. However, I do plan to play basketball and major in either kinesiology or mathematics.
EPISD: Tell us about being part of the magnet program at Chapin. What made you decide to enroll in the program and how will it benefit you in furthering your education?
BM: The magnet program is an amazing program with great teachers. I decided to enroll in the program to challenge myself. The curriculum in the engineering program is strong on science and mathematics, which will prepare me for college and has even given me the opportunity to receive college credits. Although I’m not leaning towards the engineering field for college, I feel that I have accomplished and learned a lot to be ready for the fields that I am interested in.
EPISD: What is your role in StuCo? Why is it important that you get involved?
BM: My role in StuCo is an academic liaison, which takes care of all the academic events and accomplishments. It is my job to make sure that these students get acknowledged and receive the recognition that they deserve.
EPISD: What other activities are you involved in/why is it important for you to be active and involved in your campus?
BM: It is important for me to be active and involved on my campus because I believe it will help me in the future with communication skills. It is also important for me to be involved because it takes away lots of boredom and constantly keeps me busy.
To watch a video of Briana making three pointers, click here.