MONTICELLO – Landing in our Player Spotlight is Monticello senior Gabriela Almonte. 

Almonte has established herself as one of the top sprinters in New York state, running her final high 100-meter dash in 12.41 seconds at the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championships in Rochester earlier this month. 

Josef Seidel has coached Almonte for the last few years at the varsity level. “When I first witnessed Gabriela Almonte sprint four years ago, to say I was highly impressed is an understatement.  I have had the opportunity to coach numerous talented athletes over the years at both the State and National Level.  However, I can state without hesitation that Gabby is the most naturally gifted female sprinter that I have ever had the opportunity to work with.  Her natural speed, power, and overall athleticism are remarkable.  She clearly possesses the requisite talent to compete and excel at the collegiate level. Gabby has achieved a lot during her high school track career, which culminated this past weekend at the NYS Track and Field Championships held in Webster.   Her 5th place finish in the Class B 100-meter dash final earned her a spot on the podium and a coveted New York State Track Championship Medal.  Gabriela competes in both indoor and outdoor track collecting accolades during both seasons including running a personal best in the 55-meter dash to qualify for the indoor state finals at the Section IX State Qualifier.  After graduation, Almonte plans to study Pre Med at the University of Connecticut      (UConn), Storrs Campus, on a Merit Scholarship – typically awarded based on high school academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. She will also compete on their collegiate track team. 

Almonte has her future sights set on becoming a neurosurgeon. 

Season Highlights/Times/PRs

100 Meters-12.24 (12.18 PR)

200 Meters-25.80 (25.49 PR)

Long Jump-17-9 (18-2.25 PR)

4 x 100 relay-50.94

Silver Medal OCIAA Championships-100 Meters

1st place Class B 100 Meters-State Qualifier

2nd place Class B 200 Meters-State Qualifier 

Indoor Section IX State Quals

55 Meters- 7.31