Jorge Montoya Honored as Soccer Coach of the Year

In a testament to his leadership, Coach Jorge Montoya was named NEPSSA Coach of the Year, capping a remarkable season for Belmont Hill's soccer program. This prestigious recognition comes after an outstanding campaign that saw the team achieve an impressive 11-1-3 league record and finish second in the Independent School League (ISL).

Assistant Coach Grayson Holland '05 reflected on Coach Montoya's impact, saying, "While he would be the first to deflect credit back to the players, the team's success and consistent performance are a reflection of his time, care, effort, and commitment to the program throughout his career. For more than 30 years Coach Montoya has carried the torch and led the program to maintain its spot as one of the most successful teams in the region."

Throughout his tenure, Coach Montoya has been the driving force behind the program's consistent excellence. His coaching record speaks volumes: in the last decade alone, his teams have compiled an outstanding ISL record of 92-31-26. The program ranks in the top five of the ISL across multiple key metrics, including:

• Total points (302)
• Total wins (92)
• Fewest losses (31)
• Goals scored (122)
• Fewest goals conceded (51)
• Goal differential (+71)

This also includes four trips to the NEPSSA Class A tournament and seven finishes in the top five of the ISL.

"While the soccer landscape continues to shift and evolve beyond the campus of Belmont Hill, Coach Montoya has been successful in maintaining high standards for the program and its players without sacrificing the ideals, values, and traditions of Belmont Hill," added Holland. 

The season highlighted the program's continued prowess, with the team achieving a +33 goal differential and conceding only 10 goals - matching the team's lowest since 2002.

The seniors' contributions have been particularly impressive. Over the past three years, the team has compiled a strong 31-14-9 record, with 26 wins coming in the last two seasons - a feat achieved only once before since 2002.

The team concluded its season with convincing wins against St. Mark's (3-0) and Governor's Academy (4-1), finishing tied for second in the ISL with 36 points. Although they were not selected for the Class A NEPSSA Tournament, the season highlights Coach Montoya's enduring impact and the team's collective spirit.

Coach Montoya's NEPSSA Coach of the Year award is not just a recognition of a single season, but a celebration of his decades-long dedication to developing young athletes and maintaining the soccer program's outstanding reputation. Last fall marked his 300th win. Known as Señor Montoya on the academic side of campus, he teaches Spanish and serves as a Form III advisor. A graduate of Boston College, Coach Montoya was captain of the varsity soccer team during his senior year. He went on to play seven seasons professionally, including serving as captain of the Boston Bolts, and holds a USSF A coaching license.