Jason Montima '18

Squash at Dartmouth College
How did Groton prepare you to play in college?
I was fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded peers who pushed me both in and out of the classroom, allowing me to improve. Whether it was the early morning workouts or staying after practice to get extra reps, it was motivating to have people around me who always wanted me to be the best version of myself. My coaches always supported me and my goals and did everything they could to help me achieve them. They would reach out to coaches on my behalf or take extra time out of their schedule to mentor me and allow me to excel at my sport.

What is your favorite memory from your Groton athletic career?
My favorite memory is coming back from 0–2 down against St. Paul’s and winning 3–2. It meant a lot for me to beat such a high-quality player with so many of my friends, teachers, and coaches in attendance. I vividly remember having Mr. and Mrs. Maqubela leading the crowd in cheering me on, along with my friends. That gave me the push I needed to keep going and turn the match around. That match is something that will truly stay with me forever and was just one of the many displays of school spirit that surrounds the Circle.

Do you have a highlight from a college game that you'd like to share?
After COVID shut everything down, my first match where we were allowed to have spectators was a culmination of all my hard work. I was able to finally make it into the starting lineup; to have my Dartmouth friends, some of my Groton friends, and my family in attendance was remarkable. To finally get to play in that sort of environment after two years off is a memory that I will cherish forever.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to play a sport in college?
Hard work always pays off. Take the extra reps and put in the extra hours. There is always going to be someone better, whether they are on your team or elsewhere, but people will notice the work that you put in and you’ll see the dividends. I was a walk-on at Dartmouth during my sophomore year because I wasn’t good enough to make the team my freshman year, but I continued to push. Four years later I was elected a captain–not because I am the best squash player, but because my teammates saw the work that I was putting in and the drive that I had to get better and make those around me better.

Athletic accomplishments at Groton
Two-time All-ISL, Squash
All New-England, Squash 
Independent School League Award of Excellence Winner
Honorable mention All-ISL, Baseball
Captain, varsity baseball (two years)

Jason's Dartmouth athletic profile
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