April 25, 2007

Chicago, Ill. - UIC softball co-head coaches Sarah O'Malley-Fisher and Tom Gray have announced that California native Claire Donyanavard (Saugus, Calif./Saugus) has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for UIC softball in 2008. With the addition of Donyanavard, the Flames welcome a total of six players to next year's squad.

Carly DeMarco (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln Way Central), Alicia Abbott (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln Way Central), Haley Brown (Olathe, Kan,/Olathe East), Whitney Orellena (San Marcos, Calif./Mission Hills) and Christie Seddon (Shorewood, Ill./Joliet Catholic) signed with the Flames back in November for the 2008 season.

Donyanavard is versatile with playing experience at the corners and behind the plate. She was Saugus High School's primary catcher.

Donyanavard is a member of the Southern California Choppers club team coached by Gary and Dean Fausett. Her travel coaches believe the infielder will be an outstanding hitter at the collegiate level.

"The offensive punch Claire can provide will be important," said Gray and O'Malley-Fisher. "It seems like the ball jumps just jumps off her bat when she makes contact. Her club coaches have a strong history of developing some of the best players in the country, so we know that she will be ready to contribute when she arrives on campus"

The 2007 version of the Flames are set to host Cleveland State in a three-game series at Flames Field this weekend.