"I thought this day would never come," she said.
And now it's here.
"It's nice," she said. "I have been playing soccer since I was four years old, and to get something out of it is a big accomplishment."
Imagine how her parents feel.
The parents tend to get more sentimental at a time like this. It is a time to remember all the car rides to games, to tournaments, in New Jersey, out of state. The calendar was always full, and many parents wouldn't have it any other way, rearranging their schedules to see as many games as possible.
That was certainly the case with Terrance and Michelle Blevins, Melissa's parents.
Terrance coached his daughter in her early years of playing and continued to watch her grow, as a soccer player and a person.
"It is a bittersweet day," Terrance said of signing day. "They grow up so fast."
As fast as the memories are accumulated.
"I don't think it has really sunk in that my little girl is leaving me," Terrance said. "I couldn't be prouder of her."
For Melissa Blevins' parents and many out there, this is their day also to celebrate and enjoy a moment or two of introspection.
"I don't know the words to explain, I am so ecstatic for her and happy that this is finally here," Michelle Blevins said.
The parents didn't want to influence their daughter's decision, but privately they were hoping that she would choose a school relatively close to home.
Imagine their reaction when they found out they wouldn't have to leave the state to continue following her games.
"I would be attending her games no matter where she played, but this is great for us and we're happy most of all because it's such a good school," her mother said.
Melissa Blevins has the dream of any recruit, to excel on the field. She also has her academic priorities in order.
She is looking to major in criminal justice with the goal of one day working for the FBI.
Blevins liked what she saw from the school and soccer program and saw no reason to delay her decision.
Recruiting can be a pressurized time for youngsters, and once she made the decision, she felt the typical sense of relief that engulfs most student-athletes.
On Wednesday, just like her parents, there will be a sense of pride when she signs that letter of intent. A lifetime of work, symbolized by one signature on a piece of paper.
"I have been waiting for this day a long time," Melissa said.
So have her parents.
For them, their little girl is moving and the memories accumulated to reach this point are worth even more than any scholarship can provide.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at mnarducci@phillynews.com, 856-779-3225 or @sjnard on Twitter. Find his Rally columns at www.philly.com/narducci
