WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Former Monmouth University women's soccer standout Gabriella Cuevas '18M has signed a professional contract with Maccabi Kiryat Gat F.C. of the Women's Premier League in Israel.

Cuevas had a brief stint with Sky Blue FC in the National Women's Soccer League on a national team replacement contract in late August while also serving as a volunteer assistant on Krissy Turner's staff at Monmouth this season.

"To be able to play professionally means everything to me," Cuevas said. "Ever since I first started playing, I knew I wanted to be a professional soccer player, and through all my injuries that never changed. I have the opportunity to live my dream, while also traveling, meeting new people and learning new cultures and it is an overwhelming feeling of happiness. After being injured, a lot of people doubted me, which I understand, but I knew I could do it and now I feel like I'm making six-year old Gabby proud. If my body allows I hope I can continue to play for a long time."

Cuevas spent two seasons at Monmouth while earning a master's degree in social work and helped the Hawks win consecutive MAAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships in 2016 and 2017. A Second Team All-MAAC selection in 2016, Cuevas earned First Team All-MAAC honors in 2017 as well as MAAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The former team captain also became the third Monmouth women's soccer student-athlete to earn a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-East Region First Team award following her final season.

"It has been Gabby's dream to be a professional soccer player," Turner stated. "While we will miss having her on the sidelines as an influential part of our program, we are thrilled for Gabby that she has achieved her goal. Gabby has a bright future in the game as a player and I hope one day she will give back to the game as a coach."

Cuevas joins Monique Goncalves, who is playing in Portugal with Clube Atlético de Ouriense as Monmouth women's soccer players currently in the professional ranks. Christie Pearce recently retired from professional soccer following her illustrious career with the U.S. National Team.