FEATURE: Montague signs with Barton College

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 11, 2017 11:14 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

La GRANGE -- Alison Montague comes from a long lineage of athletes in her family.

Her dad, Jim, played catcher at UNC Wilmington.

Her aunt Brenda, from Eureka, was a three-sport performer -- softball, basketball and tennis -- at then-Atlantic Christian College (now Barton).

Another aunt played volleyball at UNCW.

Her grandmother played basketball at East Carolina Teacher's College -- now East Carolina University.

So, it's no surprise that Montague, a softball standout at North Lenoir, is following in her family's footsteps. The soft-spoken, vibrant senior inked a national letter-of-intent with Barton College.

Her signing will be official April 4.

Barton provided the college experience that Montague sought. She prefers a fresh new start and the chance to make new friends -- on and off the softball diamond.

But the small Division II school located in the heart of Wilson appealed to Montague for another reason. During her sophomore season, Montague underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in her right shoulder.

The rehab from that operation further ignited her childhood dreams.

"Ever since when I was little when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I always said a 'nurse,'" said Montague, who worked with a physician's assistant after surgery.

"I fell in love with the orthopedics and sports medicine, so I want to get my BSN and go back to be a PA."

Mixing softball and academics?

That shouldn't be a problem for Montague.

She's a member of the school's National Honor Society, received the academic excellence award as a freshman and junior, and carries a solid grade-point average (GPA) in the classroom.

"It's hard to understand, and it was the same with me, that the most important thing is to get an education," said Jim, who serves as the Hawks' head coach along with David Stocks.

"With her going into the nurse's program, there is a question mark. Is she going to be able to play four years? I hope she can and still work the nurse's program, but we'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it.

"I can see she's getting a little more excited."

And a little nervous, too.

Junior Bailey, who turned Pitt Community College into a national powerhouse, took over the Barton program last season. Opposing Conference Carolinas coaches have already taken note at the changes made by Bailey.

Montague did, too, when she made a second trip to see the Bulldogs play a recent doubleheader.

"I've heard a lot about Coach Bailey from previous players at Pitt (and) they absolutely love him," Alison said. "I know he works them hard. I like the way he coaches. He coaches a lot like my dad. I've been so used to it.

"I feel really confident in him."

A utility player who has seen time on the hot corner, behind the plate and inside the pitcher's circle, Montague has helped lead the Hawks to 37 wins and three appearances in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A playoffs.

Her career numbers thus far -- batting average (.473), runs scored (55), RBI (50), hits (62) and extra-base hits (15). Montague has earned a nod on the all-Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference team on three occasions.

Despite those numbers, dad is his daughter's 'reality check'.

"I said Alison, you see some of those girls over there on the bench. Every one of them were starters in high school," he said. "But Coach Bailey can only put the nine best that he thinks out here today in this game. That's one adjustment somebody is going to have to get used to after a starter their whole career."

But Alison has some inspiration.

Dad started behind the plate during UNCW's season-opening series at Stetson (Fla.) University his freshman season. If dad can do, so can she.

"I'm going to have to learn that I just can't be out there and think I can play this position every game," Alison said. "I'm going to have to compete for my position the whole time. I really like the fact that someone is going to be driving me and pushing me more."

And fill those footsteps spread before her.