Montserrat Garrido '19 Recruiting Profile

Hello Coaches,

My name is Montserrat Garrido, but I prefer "Montsie" for short. I am a tennis player, a High School, student a volunteer, an activist and a daughter.

My family is very important to me because the fact that both of my parents are immigrants (currently permanent residents) from Chile has been significant in my development as a person, as well as an athlete: You work hard, you value others, you never stop learning, you never stop.

I am very motivated to attend college, study a career, and make a difference. This is not a buzzword. I will make a difference.  Academics for me are first. I am interested in political science and law. I am hoping to become an attorney.

I started to play tennis seriously when I was nine years old. My father is a tennis player and started doing private lessons ever since then. Seven years later, I continue committee to the sport.  Every year since then, and throughout my middle school years, I played every day, with whoever wanted to play, mostly adults, because, in the town where I live, tennis is not a sport that is practiced by many kids. I counted the days for High School to start because I was finally going to be able to do what I love wearing the colors of my school alongside my team.

I have been training every day, play matches, read books about tennis, watched countless of hours of videos, participate in tennis tournaments, etc.

When high school started, I already have been playing USTA tournaments in Oregon, not as many as I wanted, as I was committed to my ski racing team,  but enough to know that there are many teens crazy about tennis and who dedicate an incredible amount time to get better and better. I have developed great respect for them because they are hardworking and driven, two traits I value immensely.

As soon as I joined my High School Team, I became the #1 singles player on the varsity team. It was a great accomplishment because I am told I was the first ever first-year student to be the #1 player. My experience in HS tennis has made me a better player.

I am a 3.5/4.0 player. I'm a very level-headed, and  I aim to improve,  always.  I never quit. I think it is a trait that many children of immigrant parents have because they don't let you quit, they demand you take that opportunity, demand the hard work, expect the best you can offer. They understand you do not always succeed but you always have to try, give it all you have.

Even in academics, I always strive to do my best; I always push myself to take that AP class and to try new after-school clubs. Academics to me are essential; college has always been a goal, and I want to get my degree and be that player that will complete the right team for the right school and the right coach. The coach that is truly able to see what I have to offer.  

My coaches say "I'm very coachable," I just want to push, learn, try, drill, learn some more and rinse and repeat. I know that given the right environment, I can be the best, I can win matches and excel in academics.

I am small but mighty. I have a soft voice, but I roar when I call a ball out. Playing with the boys' team on my free time has taught me aggressiveness on the court and has allowed me to play with different styles of players.

As I said before, I'm shy and timid, but I will tear you up on the court. No mercy.

Thanks for listening. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My profile is a work in progress, and I am a perfectionist.