Martinez-Montoya Signs With Racing Power FC In Portugal
January 14, 2025 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Aitana Martinez-Montoya has become the third member of Mississippi State's 2024 SEC Championship soccer team to sign a professional contract. The forward from Madrid, Spain, is returning to Europe to play for Racing Power FC in neighboring Portugal.
Racing Power competes in Liga BPI, the highest division in Portugal. The squad currently sits in the middle of the table in sixth place.
Martinez-Montoya was a Third Team All-SEC selection this fall after scoring seven goals and totaling 19 points, both of which were second on the team. She added two game-winning goals, including a highlight-reel sliding strike to end the match in overtime against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. The forward's five assists were also second on the team.
"Aitana came to us two years ago and had stressed her desire to play professionally after she graduated," Bulldog head coach Nick Zimmerman said. "She trusted us in providing her a pathway to learn and develop. This is an incredible opportunity for her, and we are excited for her next steps. She has left the program in a better place, and I look forward to her continued success."
Martinez-Montoya tallied 13 goals in her Bulldog career and 21 while playing for Farleigh-Dickinson prior to arriving in Starkville. In 85 career collegiate matches, she registered 79 career points.
"Aitana represents the values and vision that we want to consolidate at Racing Power: talent, effort and passion," team president Nuno Painço said. "We are certain that her incorporation will be essential to reinforce our squad and achieve our objectives."
Martinez-Montoya is the third member of Mississippi State's 2024 SEC Championship squad to sign a professional contract. Macey Hodge signed with Angel City FC in the NWSL in December, and Rylie Combs signed with Eskilstuna United in Sweden earlier this month.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."
Racing Power competes in Liga BPI, the highest division in Portugal. The squad currently sits in the middle of the table in sixth place.
Martinez-Montoya was a Third Team All-SEC selection this fall after scoring seven goals and totaling 19 points, both of which were second on the team. She added two game-winning goals, including a highlight-reel sliding strike to end the match in overtime against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. The forward's five assists were also second on the team.
"Aitana came to us two years ago and had stressed her desire to play professionally after she graduated," Bulldog head coach Nick Zimmerman said. "She trusted us in providing her a pathway to learn and develop. This is an incredible opportunity for her, and we are excited for her next steps. She has left the program in a better place, and I look forward to her continued success."
Martinez-Montoya tallied 13 goals in her Bulldog career and 21 while playing for Farleigh-Dickinson prior to arriving in Starkville. In 85 career collegiate matches, she registered 79 career points.
"Aitana represents the values and vision that we want to consolidate at Racing Power: talent, effort and passion," team president Nuno Painço said. "We are certain that her incorporation will be essential to reinforce our squad and achieve our objectives."
Martinez-Montoya is the third member of Mississippi State's 2024 SEC Championship squad to sign a professional contract. Macey Hodge signed with Angel City FC in the NWSL in December, and Rylie Combs signed with Eskilstuna United in Sweden earlier this month.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."
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