Elizabeth Montilla is a Metro High School varsity cheer athlete who says her mother is her biggest inspiration and the reason she values kindness, hard work and discipline. As she prepares to start freshman year, Montilla is already balancing school, cheer and a busy summer training schedule.
Montilla said her mom has shaped the way she approaches life. “My mom inspires me,” she said. “She is such an amazing role model, kind, hardworking, disciplined and exactly the person I want to be when I grow up.”
A newcomer to Metro High School, Montilla said she is excited to begin her freshman year while continuing to grow in cheerleading. Her role on the team is main base, a position that requires strength, stability and trust. She said being part of varsity and competitive cheer has already taught her the importance of showing up and putting in the work.
“Athletics has taught me so much,” Montilla said. “It’s taught me how to work hard and be disciplined. You need to work hard for the things you want. Even when things get rough you have to keep pushing. Your hard work will pay off.”
That mindset shaped how she spends her summer. Montilla said she trains for both varsity and competitive cheer at least four times a week, with each practice lasting about two hours. The routine leaves plenty of room for commitment but also reflects the effort she believes it takes to succeed in athletics and in life.
Outside of cheer, Montilla said she enjoys spending time with friends and learning new skills. When she has free time, she likes watching Marvel movies, especially Spider-Man, or hanging out with her friends. At school, her favorite subjects are math and art, and she said her favorite teacher is Mrs. Butler, her middle school art teacher.
Montilla also said she looks up to her former coach, Meg, who helped build her confidence and left a lasting impression on her. That influence, along with her mother’s example, has helped her enter high school with a clear sense of purpose.
For Montilla, cheer is about more than performances and practices. It is also about growth, confidence and learning how to keep pushing forward, even when the work gets tough.
