CHICAGO (Nov. 10, 2023) – The UIC women's basketball team scored big on National Signing Day, as Chantrel "Tutu" Clayton officially signed with the Flames at a signing day ceremony in St. Louis. The senior plans to join the Flames prior to the start of the 2024-25 season.

"We are so excited to welcome Chantrel to our women's basketball family," said head coach Ashleen Bracey. "Tutu is the complete package and will be a cornerstone piece in helping us further elevate our program. She is a state champion, a dynamic combo guard, and a playmaker that has the ability to facilitate, score, and defend. Tutu enhances our program both on and off the court and is committed to helping build UIC women's basketball into a championship caliber program."
 

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Chantrel "Tutu" Clayton is officially a future Flame! #FireUpFlames #ChicagosCollegeTeam pic.twitter.com/SkbVIikugO

— UIC W. Basketball ???? (@UIC_WBB) November 10, 2023

Clayton began her high school career at Cardinal Ritter in St. Louis, before transferring to Vashon High School. The 5'6 guard proved instrumental in Vashon's historic run to its first-ever girls basketball state championship in 2023 and she was named to both the All-State and All-District teams. The soon-to-be Flames guard earned a spot on the Mascoutah All-Tournament Team, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting 48-percent from the floor. During the tournament, Clayton shot 62-percent (18-29) from behind the arc and maintained a 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.

The prolific scorer has already scored more than 1,000 points in her high school career. As a junior, Clayton delivered consistent performances, averaging 16.1 points, 2.7 assists  and 2.9 steals, all while boasting an impressive .430 three-point shooting percentage. The St. Louis native knows how to win, as she contributed to Vashon's impressive 27-5 record last season. When not representing her high school, Clayton plays AAU basketball for Bradley Beal Elite.

Clayton intends to study either kinesiology, biological sciences or physical therapy at UIC. Her parents are Chantrel and Cornelius Clayton and she has two siblings, Chantel "Telly" and Chanel "Nelly".

For more information, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WBB and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wbb and @uicflames).