Luisa Montoya, Southwest track and field
Age 18 | School Southwest High | Grade 12
EL CENTRO — The Southwest High girls’ track and field team picked up its second-consecutive Imperial Valley League title earlier this month and translated that to a strong showing at the IVL track and field championships last week.
The Eagles won five of the 15 total events at the finals, with senior Luisa Montoya picking up two individual honors and one relay recognition.
The 18-year-old won the 400 and 800 meters in 1:02.4 and 2:30.31, respectively, to finish the IVL season undefeated in both events.
Montoya then teamed up with Alyssa Miranda, Skye Silva and Ayleen Castillo to win the 4x400-meter relay event in 4:15.34
For her efforts, Montoya earned track Athlete of the Year honors.
“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Montoya said of the Eagles success this season. “I’m going to miss all the underclassmen that I bonded with, and I’m sad I won’t be a part of it next year.”
Montoya said she was proud to retain the IVL title in her senior season and earn league MVP honors along the way.
“That was also bittersweet,” Montoya said with a laugh of winning league. “This being my last year on the team, I really wanted to do it for my coaches.”
Montoya also anchored the 4x100 relay that finished in third place at the finals, running alongside Savina Walker, Ayleen Castillo and Paulina Vasquez.
With the IVL season now wrapped up, Montoya said she is looking forward to Saturday when the Eagles travel to compete in the CIF-San Diego Section prelims.
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What do you enjoy most about your sport?
I like that it is both an individual and team sport. You can win on your own or in a relay, and you need to work together at meets to score points.
What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport?
This year when I broke the school record for the 800 meters at the Jaguar Invitational. I had never run it before this year, but I needed to run it for points, and I ended up being pretty good at it.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom inspires me. She is always there for me and sets an example of how to never give up and doing your best with what you have.
What are your goals for the rest of this season?