Cleveland's Montoya commits to NMSU soccer, heads to Las Cruces for college career

RIO RANCHO - Electric blue to Aggie crimson.

Cleveland soccer senior Angeline Montoya announced on social media last week her commitment to New Mexico State University to continue her soccer career at the collegiate level.

“I am beyond excited and blessed to announce my commitment at New Mexico State University to continue my academic and athletic career.” Montoya wrote.

Montoya, who finished her high school career with numerous accolades, was a part of Cleveland’s 2023 state championship run as a sophomore. She will be bringing her resume and talent to an Aggies team that is looking to bounce back after a losing season in 2025.

“I’m incredibly thankful for all of the support of my family, friends, teammates, and coaches who have helped me get to where I’m at today,” Montoya wrote. “But I’m most thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who continues to watch over me every step of the way and has given me everything I could imagine.”

Montoya finished her final run as senior captain for the Storm with six goals and 15 points this season. A total just short of her seven-goal, 19-point season in Cleveland’s title run three years ago.

She finished her Storm tenure with 78 total games played and 20 goals to go along with 17 assists and 57 points across five years, joining Cleveland’s junior varsity team as an eighth grader in 2021.

Despite staying in the state, Montoya will be just the third homegrown talent playing for the Aggies in 2026 and the lone Rio Rancho-Albuquerque player, with the other two New Mexicans hailing from Las Cruces.

But thanks to the Rio Grande Rivalry, Montoya will return to the area to face the Lobos at some point in her collegiate career, playing on the same field where she helped Cleveland claim their first girls soccer state title.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing program, as well as the Aggie family.” Montoya wrote.