Senior Monica Montalvo signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at The Citadel in a school-wide assembly Wednesday at The Grady gym.

She is the third Stratford female athlete to sign a college scholarship this year. Softball players Alyssa Orona and Hannah Griffin signed in the fall.

Montalvo received a scholarship for soccer from the Citadel which primarily led her to the decision to attend the school, but it wasn’t the only factor.

“Becoming a citizen [two years ago] was such a patriotic moment and I truly became a part of this country, so I realized what better way to serve my country,” said Montalvo.

She said she is looking forward to the demanding and challenging environment at the school in Charleston, S.C.

“I don’t want the regular college experience,” she said. “I want to spend my time well and not just be messing around. I know myself well enough to know that without a lot of structure, I would waste a lot of time and I wouldn’t challenge myself enough.”

Being a military school, she knows she will have to go through some challenging times at The Citadel. She accredits Kate Blankenship, her soccer coach at Stratford, for training her well for both the soccer program at the Citadel and the school’s own physical requirements.

“I’ve definitely been prepared through the Stratford soccer program,” she said. “Coach Kate has been vigorous and has prepared me very well. Whether it’s hills or running, she has made me very physically fit and it has definitely prepared me for what’s to come.”