When the cricketing circle hears the name Danielle Montague (Monty), they associate it with talent, a fierce competitor and above all a terrific young woman. At just 23 years of age, Monty has received many cricketing accolades.
A naturally gifted sporting star, Monty found herself playing cricket, football and basketball during her childhood, with cricket eventually winning. She begun playing cricket at the age of eight with the Milo2Cricket program and has not looked back.
She plays for Box Hill in their premier division who during the 2014/15 season won the premiership, with Monty playing an integral role in this win. Monty also stars in indoor cricket, representing Cranbourne. Whilst she begun her indoor career at the age of 15, Monty has quickly developed a reputation as one of Victoria’s most respected cricketers. This legend status was cemented during 2013 when Monty toured Sri Lanka with the Australian Women’s Open team.
So what drives Monty to continue playing cricket? She credits the social side as the main reason for her enjoyment of cricket as well as the competitive nature. Monty loves the unknown, the fact that anything could happen on the next ball without warning.
Whilst Monty is unable to pinpoint a particular idol she says, “she has always been fond of players such as Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden”. She jokes that, “neither of them bowl” so it remains a mystery as to how she became so successful with the ball.
Monty is currently training for the National Championships held in July. She juggles working full time as well as playing football to ensure she attends every training for the upcoming championship. The Australian Open Championships will be held at the Inside Sportz centre in Strathpine, Queensland.
Being a talented cricketer is one thing but to go places athletes must have the correct mindset. Monty’s modesty has allowed her to go leaps and bounds in her cricket as well as training hard to continually improve her game.
When asked what the best advice she has been given, Monty replied, “to stay humble and to grab every opportunity, no matter how small, with two hands”. It is no secret that Monty’s success is contributed to her down to earth nature and her pure enjoyment for the sport.
Monty is one to watch in upcoming years and I wish her all the best for the upcoming National Championships.
Talented Monty
Danielle Montague
Claire McKenna
SUPERSTAR
FILES