By John "Woods" Armwood III
At just 15 years old, Angelyn Almonte is already one of New Jersey’s most electrifying young prospects. A freshman guard at DePaul Catholic whose game, mindset, and trajectory signal a new era. Despite Almonte’s rapidly growing resume, with six Division I offers, and a backcourt partnership with top national talent Giovana (Gigi) Burress.
Almonte is stepping into the spotlight with maturity and hunger beyond her years. If you ask her, New Jersey and the rest of the country have no clue what’s to come.
Jersey’s Next Big Shock Wave
Almonte doesn’t shy away from the expectations surrounding her debut season at DePaul Catholic. In fact, she embraces them. The message is clear, New Jersey’s next great backcourt is loading!
For her, teaming up with Burress isn’t pressure, it’s opportunity. Their chemistry, both on an doff the court, is already electric.
“I love her as a person. Our chemistry is insane. Once the season starts, it’s really going to be over.”
From Backyard Battles to Division I Dreams
Almonte’s journey didn’t begin with national exposure or expectations. It began in the backyard, battling a big brother who refused to take it easy on her.
“He would beat me 10–0 and I would come into the house crying saying he cheated,” she laughs. “But that gave me my competitive edge.”
Her mother—her “biggest supporter”—played a crucial role, organizing training sessions and connecting her with the right mentors. And with that village behind her, Almonte skyrocketed from a beginner who “couldn’t even dribble between my legs or hit the rim” to a Division I prospect with offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, Fordham, Delaware, Towson, and Mount St. Mary’s.
“It’s surreal,” she says. “I never thought about going Division I or even going pro. And now look.”
Work Ethic: The Core of Her Rise
Ask Almonte what truly got her here, and she’ll tell you without hesitation:
“Just being in the gym every day consistently. Showing up even when I didn’t want to.”
Her play-style reflects that work ethic—explosive, versatile, and composed.
“I’m an explosive, really quick guard. I can score at all three levels. I’m paced, I can stop on a dime, and I make sure my teammates get touches.”
Her mentor plays a key role in shaping intentionality behind every workout.
“She reminds me of the moments when people doubted me. I use that as fuel. Pressure isn’t a bad thing—it motivates me.”
Academic Excellence & Ambition Beyond the Court
Some players focus only on the game. Almonte isn’t one of them.
“Academically, I want all A’s. That’s really important to me.”
On the court, her goals are equally high:
- Win a state championship
- Score 500 points as a freshman
- Elevate DePaul Catholic by bringing in more recruits
- Become a three-level scorer with elite court vision
- Inspire the next generation of girls’ basketball
But even beyond stats and wins, she cares deeply about who she is as a teammate.
“I want people to think of me as a good friend, a good teammate—someone who makes others better.”
Show Up: Her Message to the Next Generation
If there’s one thing she wants every young hooper to know, it’s this:
“Show up every day. Even if you’re not good right now. You can definitely get there. That was me three and a half years ago.”
This isn’t cliché. It’s her truth.
The jump from unknown to D1 recruit wasn’t magic. It was mastery of consistency.
Face of Jersey’s New Generation
Angelyn Almonte isn’t waiting her turn. She’s taking it!
She’s redefining what it means to be a freshman. She’s pushing DePaul Catholic into a new era. She’s building, grinding, leading, and inspiring, all at once. The backcourt is dangerous. The program is rising. And the state of New Jersey?
It’s about to feel the shockwave because Angelyn isn’t just coming.
She’s here!
