Leesburg, Va. — Loudoun County High School sophomore Matthew Monastero has committed to play Divison I golf for the University of Virginia beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year.
“I have wanted to go to UVA for as long as I can remember. UVA has both a very good golf program and excellent academics,” Monastero said. “They are improving their practice facilities and redesigning one of their courses. I am looking forward to benefiting from those upgrades, and I think I will become a better player by being a part of their program.”
[adrotate banner=”19″]In 2017, the 5-foot-9 Raider won the VHSL Region 4C golf championship, shooting a 74 and was later named to the All-LoCo first team at the end of the season.
However, golf is more than just a sport about winning for Matthew and his family. His brother, Ryan, placed fourth in the VHSL Region 4C championship in 2017, as well as being named to the 2017 All-LoCo first team with his brother.
“My grandfather – Frank – introduced me to the game,” Monastero said. “I’ve played against my brothers forever, and they have never given me a break because I am younger. They helped me become a fierce, gritty competitor.”
Even with his commitment, Monastero is excited about his next three years at Loudoun County.
“Coach Ronis keeps things fun while still being focused on winning,” Monastero said. “I really like playing for my high school and competing against my friends from other schools in the county.”
Loudoun County head coach John Ronis had two golfers place in the top ten at the region championships in 2017 and will lead the Raiders into their first match of 2018 against Loudoun Valley on August 6.
Even though Monastero is only a sophomore at Loudoun County, he is extremely excited about joining the UVA program
“I am happy to have gotten an offer to play golf for my first choice school and have the recruiting process done before I even start my sophomore year,” Monastero said. “I won’t have the stress that my brothers and friends have had to go through in the college search/ application process.”
Monastero is joining a Cavaliers team that is coming off a sixth place finish at the Atlantic Coast Conference championships and a trip the the NCAA regionals in 2017.
Monastero loves the game of golf and will continue working hard before he becomes a Cavalier in 2021.
“I play golf because it is fun,” Monastero said. “I love the pressure of competing, and now, I am extra motivated to win.”
