CHICAGO — UIC golf head coach Angela Rayhill announced the addition of two standout Indiana prep golfers on Tuesday, as Ava South (Batesville, Ind.) and Rowan Pies (St. Leon, Ind.) have each signed National Letters of Intent to join the Flames beginning with the 2026–27 season.

South, a senior at Batesville High School, is one of the most decorated golfers in the state of Indiana. She qualified for the IHSAA State Tournament in all four of her prep seasons, placing inside the top five three times. A four-time All-State honoree, South posted a 74.2 scoring average as a senior and capped her career by earning both the IHSAA Girls Golf Mental Attitude Award and the prestigious Indiana Miss Golf honor.

"Ava has proven herself against the very best in Indiana for four straight years," Rayhill said. "Her consistency, competitiveness and the way she carries herself on and off the course make her a perfect fit for our program."

Pies joins UIC following an accomplished career at East Central High School, where she qualified for the Indiana State Tournament in each of the past three seasons. She finished a career-best seventh at the 2024 State tournament, and recorded a 72.6 scoring average as a senior. Pies opened her final high school season with a course-record 66 (-4) and recently claimed the Midwest/West Regional Invitational with a two-day total of 157.

"Rowan is a dynamic player with the ability to go low at any time," said Rayhill. "Her ball-striking, her scoring average and her track record under pressure show just how high her ceiling is."

The additions of South and Pies continue UIC's momentum on the recruiting trail as the Flames look to build upon their progress within the Missouri Valley Conference.