East Hampton’s Hurdler Headed to North Carolina

East Hampton senior Brylee Montanari will run track at UNC Wilmington next year

Brylee Montanari, a senior at East Hampton High School, announced that she will continue her athletic and academic journey at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. 

“I am incredibly happy to announce my commitment to run division 1 track and field and continue my education at my dream school,” Montanari stated on Dec. 26. “Thank you to all who have supported me in the process.” 
The senior still has some time left on the tracks at EHHS and this spring she will be trying to help the Bellringers defend their state title from a season ago.

Last June, Montanari won an individual state title in the 100-meter hurdles and the team won the Class S state title, upsetting Bloomfield. 

“The team is my outlet, the sport has taught me so much,” said Montanari, who recalled the joy of winning a state title last spring. “Not even me winning, but our team winning. The feeling at the end of the day was so rewarding.”
Off the track, Montanari is Co-President of the Youth Forum Club and has been the Class Secretary for the last two years. She is a member in National Honors Society and is leaning towards majoring in business in college. 

At UNC Wilmington, she’ll join a successful Seahawks program that competes in the Colonial Athletic Association. 
“It was a pretty easy decision for me. It has been my top school even before running track,” Montanari said of her decision. “I love the area and the warmth. It was the perfect mixture of sports, school, and fun too. The team and coaches tied it together.”

Montanari, who works at a local Thai restaurant and babysits on the side, is looking forward to challenging herself at the next level in a new location. 

​“I’m most excited for the culture and the people,” she said. “The track community has always been so welcoming and I’m excited to meet new people on a new team.”