Carla Montanes is charming, active and willing to reveal of her experience as a Skyline athlete. Montanes began attending Skyline in the spring semester of 2013. She is majoring in computer science, and planning to transfer to either CSULA or UCLA.

Montanes is now preparing for the pre-conference games, which is the first action the Trojans will see this year. She said that everyone on her team is trying to get back into shape since it has been a long time, since last time they played a game. Now they are working on getting stronger.

Normally, the Skyline badminton team athletes can play only two semesters for the Trojans. This is her second semester playing on Skyline’s team. For Montanes, she is determined to get into the state final.

“Since it’s my second year, I was hoping that I can get into state finals which is the highest,” Montanes said. “Let’s say in the terms of football, it’s like the Super Bowl, where all the good ones play against each other for an award.”

Currently the Trojans are getting help from former teammate Anna Nguyen, who finished second in the California Community College Athletic Association Finals, last semester.

According to Nguyen, Montanes has pretty good skill; however, she cannot give a lot of time to badminton because of the time she spends studying. If she spends more time practicing, she’s sure Montanes will become a good player since she is already is a skilled athlete. “She is good as a single player. Sometimes, she plays double with Clarisse Domingo-Friera too. She is improving a lot now.” Nguyen said. “If she practices more, she will be better. Even though she couldn’t make it (to the finals) last year, she will be there this season.”

Montanes herself really wants to get into the finals this season. “As long as I go to practice every day, I can get to it (the finals). The more I practice, the more confidence I get.” Montanes said.

Head Coach Jan Fosberg is really satisfied with her skill. She praises Montanes, saying that she is one of the best on the team. Montanes placed in the top ten of last years final.

According to Fosberg, her team is going to play the first tournament for state finals on March 8, and Montanes will be competing. “She is a really good single player. She is very strong. She is the best smasher in the team.” Fosberg said. “She has a good attitude. She is trying very hard and willing to practice a lot too.”