SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Monet Lopez will continue her soccer career at American River College. She will be part of the St. Francis Signing Day Celebration on Wednesday, joining 11 classmates who have made commitments to play a sport in college.

“Being able to continue soccer in college means the world to me,” said Lopez, who also runs for the St. Francis track program. “Since I have played soccer from the age of three, it has become my entire life. The fact that I get to play at a higher level just pushes me to become an even better athlete. I have always wanted to play collegiately and ARC has offered me this opportunity.”

She will join an ARC program coached by Paul Arellanes.

“My soon to be coach, Paul, is an amazing person,” said Lopez. “The feeling I got while walking the campus with him was great. He is very personable with his players, students, and trainers. I feel that with his enthusiasm for the game, as well as his passion to coach players to be better will make my collegiate experience even better. I am impressed with the program because as I spoke with former players, I have come to determine the tools given to me as a college athlete will aid me in my studies.”

Lopez will join St. Francis teammate and classmate Savannah Tijerino-Santos on the roster for the Beavers.

“Being able to have my best friend joining me for the next two years of our life is great,” said Lopez. “I can’t wait to have her with me on the field and in the halls. Sharing this experience with her by my side will definitely make things go by a little smoother.”

Lopez scored 21 goals and had 11 assists playing for St. Francis. She is excited to continue playing the sport she loves, while obtaining her associates degree in general science. Her goal is to become a geriatric nurse.