Dig This: Maci Montgomery
Unionville-Sebewaing is a program like no other. Producing top-notch athletes year in and year out, they will win one way or another. Never a rebuilding year but a reinvention. In 2019, USA’s success is in large part due to their dynamic defense. Leading the way is libero Maci Montgomery.
Photo by Huron Daily TribuneMaci was called upon early in her career for her defense. In her freshman year, Maci was a part of a superb group that boasted the likes of Rylee Zimmer and Katelyn Engelhardt. Engelhardt – the libero at the time – led all defenders in Michigan during 2017 with 1342 digs. What better company to be in than Engelhardt, a current Madonna Crusader. Katie and Maci combined to be quite the combination with Maci adding 258 digs and 25 aces in her debut. This was all en route to the program’s eighth Greater Thumb Conference title in a nine-year period and an MHSAA Class C Quarterfinal game.
With the departure of Katie, Montgomery was obviously next in line to don the off-colored jersey. Maci owned it. In 2018, Maci doubled her numbers in just about every category she could. Only as a sophomore, she was making statements. Picking up 523 digs and serve receiving to a tune of 83% on 570 attempts, she was crucial in USA’s success. In the post-season, she was as tough as nails. Posting double-digits dig numbers in each game, this led the Patriots to their first-ever championship match in volleyball. Maci credited the tradition of USA athletics for her relentless play and success.
Photo by Huron Daily Tribune“When I was younger, I would always watch older girls play in post-season games and rivalry matches. I realized how well they kept their composure and played with pride. Now, wearing the USA jersey, I had to keep the tradition going and do my part.”
Montgomery is no stranger to playing on the grandest of stages in high school athletics. In her short career, she has not only appeared in but played a major role in three final fours in two different sports. Outside of volleyball, Maci is one of the best softball catchers in Michigan. Boasting a wicked career batting average of .452, Montgomery is a two-time first-team All-State catcher and a state champion. After bowing out of the tournament in the softball final four her freshman campaign. Montgomery went on to play in two different state championship matches her sophomore year. To Maci, this success just came with the name.
“Last year we made it to the Kellogg Arena. In the beginning, it was kind of a shock on how big the stadium was. But being a Patriot, I realize that we have been in big moments like this before and it was just another game.”
Photo by Paul AdamsFast forward to 2019, Maci hasn’t skipped a beat and is much improved (if that is possible). After losing a key component from last year’s squad, Rylee Zimmer. Maci wasn’t about to let the tradition die. Currently, one of the best defenders in the area, Montgomery is lights out. Averaging almost five and a half digs per set, she’s cruising to top her previous season numbers.
Photo by Paul AdamsWhile USA started out the conference season 0-2, they’re currently on a seven-match winning streak. In their most recent game against the then sole leader of the conference, Cass City, Maci Montgomery was a showstopper. On the night, Maci was everywhere, there wasn’t a ball she couldn’t get. She posted 27 digs in the four-set barn burner and was perfect in service reception. Just like that, Unionville-Sebewaing was back in the mix for another league title.
So far, Maci is the team leader in digs with 344 and owns a reception rate of 89%.
Certainly, Maci will look to lead her squad to their ninth conference title in ten years and potentially a tenth straight district title.