Deering senior Alexis Sivovlos, joined by (from top left:) Joseph Howard, sister Samantha, mother Debbie, father Sam and Rams’ girls’ varsity head coach Kevin Olson, signs her National Letter of Intent Wednesday afternoon to attend and play soccer at the University of Maine in Orono.

“It was a very long process,” said Sivovlos, Deering’s Fall Female Athlete of the Year. “I started off looking at schools all the way in Florida. I got closer and closer to Maine. In November, I randomly put U. Maine on the list and a couple days after that heard from the coach and it seemed like fate. I really liked it up there. My Dad went there awhile ago. It has what I want to study. Right now, athletic training. I’m interested in physical therapy as well. It’s close to home. I’m excited for a new beginning.”

Sivovlos, a center-mid, said she’s open to playing anywhere at the next level.

Olson praised Sivovlos for what she brought to the program and expects her to make a mark in Orono.

“Alexis has worked hard for the last four years,” Olson said. “She’s been very dedicated to this program. It’s good to see her go to the next level. I’m very proud of her. She has a lot of potential. She won’t admit it, but she’s very versatile. She can play up top, play defense. I think she’ll do well.”

Sivovlos credits her time at Deering for helping her evolve into a college-caliber player.

“I think I came out of my shell a lot,” she said. “I grew physically and mentally as a soccer player. Coach Olson helped me on and off the field to better myself.”