Nov. 14, 2008
Chicago, Ill. - UIC head softball coach Michelle Venturella announced on Friday that Teresa Aguilar (Chicago, Ill./Loyola Academy H.S.), Devin Miller (Chicago, Ill./Loyola Academy H.S.), Melissa Preish (Thousand Oak, Calif./Westlake H.S.) and Coryn Schmit (Hawthorn Woods, Ill./Lake Zurich H.S.) have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Flames for the 2010 season.
"We are so excited to introduce the incoming class," said head coach Michelle Venturella. "We are very proud of the young women that these student-athletes are and what they mean to this program."
Aguilar, a three-time All-GCAC team honoree from Chicago, was a 2008 Chicago Tribune All-State pick as well as a Chicago Sun-Times All-Area First Team selection after guiding Loyola Academy to GCAC and IHSA regional championships.
"Teresa is going to make a tremendous impact," said Venturella of the three-time All-GCAC selection. "Her instincts are outstanding and her work ethic and determination are the reason that she has had much success throughout her career."
Miller, another Loyola Academy signee, was named a Top 100 player and First-Team All Area by the Sun-Times for her work in the circle for the Ramblers. The 2008 GCAC Player of the Year amassed 233 strikeouts in 136 innings and a .86 ERA her junior season.
"One of the goals that we have with our program is to recruit solid student-athletes from this area, and I am anxiously awaiting the time when Devin gets to step on the field as a Flame", said Venturella. "She is a strong pitcher that has an instant presence when she takes the field. Her competitiveness is sure to mix well with our current student-athletes."
Preish, an outfielder for Westlake High in Westlake Village, Calif., has earned All-Marmonte league honors in each of the past three seasons. The speedy left-handed hitter has been named team captain for her senior campaign.
"Melissa is such a great person and player," said Venturella. "She will provide leadership in the outfield and will pass along her enthusiasm for the game."
A two-time All-North Suburban Conference honoree, Schmit guided her club team, the Stone City Sharks, to a runner-up finish at the NAFA Nationals in 2008.
"Coryn is a great fit for the UIC softball program," said Venturella. "She is a tremendous student-athlete that will always put the team first, and her dedication and willingness to do what it takes to be better will benefit all."
"Devin, Teresa, Coryn and Melissa are committed to carrying out the vision of this program. We, as a staff, couldn't be more pleased to have them join the UIC family."
