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Montgomery Stronger and Better
November 09, 2015 03:58 PM | Women's Basketball
Over the next few weeks, WVUsports.com will highlight members of the 2015-16 West Virginia University women’s basketball team. The 13th installment of this feature includes junior center Lanay Montgomery.
Get stronger and better each year. That’s the mantra junior center Lanay Montgomery lives by when she steps on the hardwood each day.
“I just try to come out and play hard. Leave it all on the floor,” said Montgomery. “This year my goal is to score more and to help the team, and to go out on the court focused and ready to play.”
Montgomery endured many setbacks throughout her high school career that affected her ability to play basketball her freshman year as a Mountaineer. Back in 2011 at the Academy of the Holy Cross, she tore her ACL in a tournament her senior year, which led her to immediate surgery.
“There were many times where I had doubts, especially dealing with injuries,” said Montgomery. “There are times where you’re thinking, should I continue to do it, is it worth it, but I love basketball a lot, and I couldn’t see my life any differently. I would do it all over again.”
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native was slated to play on the WVU women’s basketball team for the 2012-13 season, but her injury caused her to sit out her freshman year and redshirt.
Montgomery was strong throughout the recovery process. With hard work and a determined mindset, she was able to remain positive after her injury.
“I improved drastically. It was a long road,” said Montgomery. “I’ve been through three surgeries. Sitting out my freshman year was rough, and knowing that you’ll always have that doubt of ‘will I be that same player, or will this injury always have a lingering effect on me’. Our athletic training staff and coaching staff really worked with me to be the player that I am today, and they’re going to continue working with me to be a better player than I am.”
Not to mention role models in her life played a huge impact, guiding her along the way.
“The coaching staff, and one person that really helped me bounce back and motivate me was Madina Ali. She helped me along the way. She would give me good pointers and help me build my confidence back.”
Montgomery saw limited action behind All-Big 12 performer Asya Bussie during her freshman year in 2013-14. But the following year proved to be a breakout season for the now co-captain. Montgomery played in 38 games and finished with a league-leading 124 blocks. Her 294 rebounds ranked seventh in the league. She produced 156 points, but knew that it was something she needed to vastly improve upon during the offseason.
“It was about getting in the gym and working on my hook shots because I do have a good hook shot if I use it, and being more physical, sitting down low and demanding the ball,” said Montgomery.
As permitted by the NCAA every four years, WVU traveled to Europe for 10 days to compete against international teams. The squad went 4-0 during its tour to London, Barcelona and Madrid. Montgomery improved on her game by averaging 10 points, 5.8 rebounds and blocking six shots in the four games, which helped her boost her confidence.
“I think Europe helped build that offensive mindset because when you see the ball go through the bucket that’s a good feeling,” said Montgomery. “It always gives you more confidence. The things that I worked on in the offseason and applying them in Europe turned out to be great.”
After what the 6-foot-5 athlete has been through, she is always looking on the bright side of things. She is considered the “silly” one on the team who lightens up the mood. Her positive attitude has helped her along the way and helps her team stay focused.
“I think all the girls are pretty positive. I get on players when I need to, but I’m really positive when it comes to all the girls on the team and encouraging them. Our coaches do the job of getting on them, and it’s the team’s job to build them back up.”
When her teammates are down, they can look to Montgomery as a way to cheer them up.
“I’m really silly. I’m always singing or dancing,” Montgomery mentioned.
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