Patriots’ Monteiro-Pai Signs Volleyball Scholarship With USA
MADISON- Juanita Monteiro-Pai has signed on for another chapter in what is already an incredible life as the Bob Jones senior signed an athletic scholarship to play volleyball at the University of South Alabama (USA) located in Mobile at a signing ceremony recently held at Bob Jones.
Ranked No. 22 among her senior class with a 4.6. grade point average, the 5-foot-8 athlete was a three-year team captain for the Patriots and a First Team All-State selection as a junior and a Second-Team All-State pick as a sophomore. She led the team in aces and digs as Bob Jones, which lost in the semi-finals of the State Tournament in the just completed 2019 season. All-State selections for the latest season are still forthcoming.
“I have visited the school as my older sister, Sureena, is currently attending medical school there and besides everything felt right,” said Monteiro-Pai, daughter of Sushil and Julie Monteiro-Pai. “Going through the recruiting process with several other schools I checked all of my bubbles with USA and I feel I will do well in that environment. I love the fact the beach is not far away. Matter of fact, I could live there.”
Monteiro-Pai began playing volleyball in the fourth grade. She also played basketball up until she arrived at middle school. The talented multi-sport athlete even played football with boys as a youngster, but said once she began to play volleyball fulltime she became captured by the sport’s long-lasting characteristics.
“I play with a lot of energy and I pride myself of always being a good teammate as I encourage others at all times and can very vocal on the court,” said Monteiro-Pai.
Born with pigeon toes, the condition has caused the skilled athlete to deal with other parts of her body such as the hips and inner thighs. She attends 6:00 a.m. workouts specifically designed for the inner thighs and wears specially made insoles for her shoes designed to assist in helping align her hips.
Her academic prowess includes being part of numerous honor society organizations and is a member of the school’s SGA and athletic advisory committee. She’s a National Merit semi-finalist and has also been named Homecoming Queen.
“I’m currently applying for early medical school as I’ll study chemistry at USA and would love to get into medical or dental school,” said Monteiro-Pai.
