PATHWAY TO SUCCESS: Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School year 11 student and sports star Montanna McAvoy.
WHEN you’re a state and national level achiever in three different sports, the question has to be asked what you like best.
“Running” is the answer Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School allrounder Montanna McAvoy quickly offers.
Chatting to the busy year 11 student, it’s clear her preference for running events contributes to her speed and skill in so many other disciplines.
She’s a state representative in athletics, football and cross country.
Such is her immense talent, McAvoy recently received a Future State Greats Award at the Allan Border Field.
Presented by former international cricketer Ian Healy, the award recognises leading young sportspeople in schools around Queensland.
McAvoy, 15, had a sensational 2015 in sport, gaining state selection in athletics, football and cross country.
The North Queensland-born athlete has continued her success at IGGS where she this month won two medals at the Queensland Junior Championships.
McAvoy won a silver medal in the under 17 3000m (9.52.81) and a bronze in the 1500m (4.34.84).
Both were personal bests as she represented the Ipswich and District Athletic Club.
She’s qualified for next month’s national championships in Perth.
She came third in the 16 years 1500m at last year’s Australian championships.
The rising teenager is also with Ipswich-based National Premier Leagues football club Western Pride, where she’s preparing for a new women’s season starting this weekend.
Last year, she made the Queensland schoolgirls football team.
In cross country, she won a 15 years state title at Runaway Bay before placing eighth overall at the nationals in Melbourne.
At school, she regularly displays her multiple talents.
Apart from athletics, cross country and football, she’s also a regular in touch and hockey representative teams.
So how does McAvoy juggle it all.
“Sometimes it’s hard but I have to be organised,” she said.
McAvoy also won a Future State Greats Award at primary school in Cairns. Her sports at this stage included vigoro and endurance events.
She’s enjoying her schooling at IGGS.
“It’s just the opportunity in sport,” she said, being a boarder.
“I like it. It’s really good.”
And while she’s excelling at sport, McAvoy is already thinking about her future.
“I like business and legal. They are my favourites,” she said.
