Montgomery's Leadership Guides Scranton to Historic Division III Championship Game

Elyse Montgomery's journey from small-town Pennsylvania basketball to the NCAA Division III championship game exemplifies the power of perseverance and community support in collegiate athletics.

The Honesdale native helped propel the University of Scranton women's basketball team to unprecedented heights during the 2025-26 season, culminating in a remarkable 32-game winning streak and the program's first championship game appearance since 1985.

Montgomery's path to the Final Four was forged through years of dedication at Honesdale High School, where she overcame a serious knee injury that cost her significant playing time during her junior season. Her resilience in battling back to earn a starting position as a senior demonstrated the character that would serve her well at the collegiate level.

"Elyse showed outstanding basketball knowledge and instincts from the first time she stepped on the court as a freshman," recalled Hall of Fame coach Ron Rowe. "Elyse was a natural leader and had a work ethic second to none."

That leadership quality became increasingly evident during her time with the Royals, where she evolved from a bench contributor as a freshman to a respected veteran voice as a sophomore. Despite limited statistical production, her impact extended far beyond box score metrics.

"Since arriving on campus, Elyse has worked tirelessly and made tremendous strides in her development," explained head coach Ben O'Brien, who earned Division III Coach of the Year honors. "She's also grown into one of our strongest leaders and most respected players."

Scranton's historic season began building momentum in late February with Landmark Conference regular season and tournament championships. The team's dominance became apparent during their national tournament opener, a crushing 104-39 victory over Framingham State University that set the tone for their championship run.

The Royals continued their relentless march through the bracket with an 82-43 dismantling of Otterbein, followed by victories over Bates College and Concordia-Moorhead to reach the Final Four in Salem, Virginia.

The semifinal matchup against NYU represented the season's defining moment, as Scranton ended the Violets' staggering 91-game winning streak with a 60-52 victory. This triumph secured the program's first championship game berth in over four decades.

"We were ecstatic," Montgomery reflected on the NYU victory. "We knew we could do it, so we just needed to prove it to the rest of the country. We were thrilled to beat NYU, but more happy to survive and get to play another game."

The championship game against Denison University proved heartbreaking, as the Royals' incredible streak ended with a 55-41 defeat. Despite the disappointing conclusion, the season established benchmarks that will inspire future generations of Scranton basketball players.

Montgomery's role throughout the campaign exemplified the team-first mentality that enabled such extraordinary success. Her willingness to embrace whatever role best served the collective goal demonstrated maturity beyond her sophomore status.

"Everybody on this team wants the best for each other," she explained. "We all have supreme confidence in each other. No matter who we're up against, we always play together. Everyone will sacrifice and do whatever it takes to win."

The community connection remained strong throughout Scranton's run, with Montgomery crediting Honesdale supporters for their continued encouragement. "I've had so many coaches, teachers and friends reach out this season. I'm grateful because I know these people will always be in my corner supporting me."

O'Brien's assessment captured the broader impact of the season beyond wins and losses. "It really was an incredible run and a special group to be a part of," the coach noted. "These players were a joy to coach, and it is a season I will never forget."

For Montgomery, a marketing major and daughter of Jay and Emily Montgomery, the Final Four experience provided memories that transcend basketball achievement. "This season was truly an amazing experience," she concluded. "The Final Four was one of the most special weeks of my life and I'm forever grateful to be part of this team."