This season, Belmont Hill’s varsity soccer team is set to build on last year’s efforts, under the continued leadership of Coach Montoya and new captains Blake DaCosta ’26 and Will Umscheid ’25. With a strong core of returning players, the team is looking to maintain a competitive presence in the ISL and make a push for the New England tournament.
When asked about the team’s goals, Coach Montoya stated, “The goal is to finish near the top of the ISL behind Milton and get an invitation to the NE Tournament.” Similarly, Blake shared that top 2 and contending for the league and making New England Playoffs are primary goals. He also added that building a good team culture is also a team goal. Regarding positives for the season, Coach Montoya noted, “The positives are that we have a well-knit team. Everyone plays hard for each other, and we get everyone to contribute. It’s all about team effort.”
Moreover, adding onto the positives, Blake stated, “For the younger guys, [a positive is] coming off the bench and being able to provide help and give those starters a rest when they need it. Also, they’re willing to learn. Furthermore, the leadership from the older players on the team is really good. I think it’s reflecting on the younger players.”
A key improvement this season, according to Coach Montoya, is the team’s depth. “We have four players that can come off the bench and keep the same level of effort and skill. This will keep players rested and healthier throughout the season. We do not just rely on 11 players.” This depth will allow the team to maintain intensity for the full 90 minutes, a focus that the team looks to improve upon compared to last year. Blake added, “The energy that we’ve brought into practices– the intensity– has gone up. The intensity is pretty high during practice, and guys are constantly competing.”
The Belmont Hill varsity soccer team has already begun the season strongly with a 4-2 record. The Panel congratulates Coach Montoya on reaching the extraordinary accomplishment of reaching the 300 win milestone in his tenure as head coach of the Belmont Hill varsity soccer team, and also wishes him and the rest of the varsity soccer team the best of luck for the rest of their season and in their pursuit of the ISL Championship this season!
