The UIC Flames women's basketball team added two players to their ranks from the 2023 recruiting class, as Erin Henry and Megen Sanaj put pen to paper to join the program.

"I am so excited about the addition of Erin Henry and Megen Sanaj to our Flames Family!" Ashleen Bracey said.  "Both Erin and Megen are Chicago-area natives and take great pride in representing their city and this university.  Erin and Megen are high character young ladies that excel in the classroom and in leadership roles for their respective high school basketball programs."


Henry began her high school career for the Plainfield North Tigers and was recognized with All-Conference honors after her sophomore season, playing a part in the Tigers winning the Southwest Prairie Conference title. The 5'8" guard then joined the Example Academy, Illinois' first all girls prep school, beginning last season as the program went 16-3.  Example Academy plays a national schedule and won the 2022 Independent National Championship.   

"Erin is the glue player that every championship program needs.  She has great versatility at the off guard position and can score in a variety of ways," Bracey said.  "Erin is a two-way player, she takes great pride in defending the other team's best player.  She is an energy spark, a guard rebounder, and a skilled passer.  Erin has leadership qualities that will be impactful immediately.  Welcome home, Erin!"

Henry averaged 9.2 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 steals during her year at Example Academy.  She was a team captain for the national championship squad.


Sanaj has been a fixture for Latin High School's basketball program since stepping foot on the court, playing on the varsity level her freshman year. Sanaj played a key role in the Romans winning the Independent School League championship and the Regional Championship all three years. The program has gone 40-14 over that time span.

Sanaj has also been recognized individually as First Team All-Conference each season, Independent School League Player of the Year honors, and a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's All-State Team. She was also named to the All-Tournament team at the Lisle Classic back in 2019. Sanaj was named to the Illinois High School Association's 2A All-State Team honors back in the 2020-2021 season, and All-State second team honors as a junior.

"Megen is a high level scorer and playmaker capable of playing all three guard positions.  She is incredibly versatile and has a knack for scoring at all three levels.  She is a competitor, with a strong motor, and a great court presence," Bracey said.  "We are extremely excited to welcome Megen into our Flames family."

Sanaj totaled 928 points in just two seasons, as one of her years was cancelled due to Covid.  She averaged 23.3 points on 36% shooting.  She grabbed 7.6 rebounds, handed out 2.3 assists, and snatched 4.1 steals per game.  A multi-sport athlete, Sanaj just finished her fourth year on the varsity volleyball team, and ran the 400 meters in varsity track and field for one season.

"Erin and Megen both come to UIC from winning programs.  They are committed to our vision and embody the characteristics and values that will help us to lay the foundation of building a championship culture here at UIC," Bracey continued.

Henry and Sanaj will enroll at UIC for the 2023-24 season.