GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - For many serious high school athletes, playing at the next level is not only a dream, but a motivation to excel at their craft. On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, all that hard work to make that dream a reality got one step closer for Gridley High School wrestler, Malia Montero. In front of Gridley High School, surrounded by her mother and father, Malanee and Tito Montero, grandparents, former coaches, friends, and Gridley High School staff, Montero signed her letter of intent to wrestle and attend the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh where she will be studying special education in conjunction with wrestling. 

Montero has been wrestling since she was in elementary school when she was inspired by her brothers, Raiden and Miko, and family friends to take up the sport. That is when she fell in love with the sport and began her journey on the mat. Throughout her high school career as a Lady Bulldog, Montero is a three-time San Joaquin masters qualifier, a three time San Joaquin regional placer, and a 2019 California state qualifier.

Montero received the Titan National Scholarship from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, which is given to academically qualified out of state applicants. This summer, she will be joining her older brother, Raiden, and the rest of the Titan wrestling team. Raiden, a 2018 Gridley High School graduate, will be in his senior year majoring in Japanese Studies when his sister makes the move to the Midwest. 

Malia has great potential to be a successful collegiate athlete over the next four years for the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. Congratulations Malia!