May 26, 2004

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago senior designated player Amanda Rivera joined the rank of the country's softball elite on Wednesday evening as she was named a 2004 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American.

Rivera, who earned a spot on the All-American Third Team, helped lead the Flames to a Horizon League regular-season and tournament title this season, as well as the program's eighth all-time NCAA Regional appearance, by batting a career high .371 with 20 home runs and 58 RBI.

She set the UIC single-season home run record with her 20 blasts in 2004 while also eclipsing the UIC career home run mark as she graduates with 52 all-time homers. Rivera also posted career marks this year in doubles (13), walks (44), runs (36), slugging percentage (.781) and on-base percentage (.500).

The Redondo Beach, Calif., native is the fourth player in UIC history to earn All-American status, joining Samantha Iuli (1998, 1999), Stefanie Christoferson (2001) and Edel Leyden (2002).

The All-America honor is the last of many accolades Rivera has received this season, including: All-Great Lakes Region First Team, Horizon League Player of the Year, All-Horizon League First Team, Horizon League Tournament MVP and Horizon League Tournament Batting Champion.

Rivera was honored for her achievement during the opening ceremonies at the 2004 College Wprld Series in Oklahoma City, Okla.