CHICAGO – UIC softball head coach Megan Coronado has announced the signing of six incoming student-athletes for the UIC softball program. Kynadee Bode, Ashley Ellevog, Samantha Hillner, Mea Johnson, Alyssa Shimanski, and Brynn Woods are set to join up with the Flames in the Fall of 2026.
Kynadee Bode | P/IF | Milan, Ind. | Milan HS
Playing both infield and pitching at Milan High School, Bode has earned all-state, all-sectional, and all-conference honors three times each. She has set several records for her school, holding the single-season records for batting average, hits, runs batted in, and strikeouts, while holding the career records in strikeouts and wins. Bode has helped lead her program to a conference co-championship and a sectional championship.
"Kynadee is a true dual threat – a power lefty at the plate and a steady presence in the circle," said Coronado. "Her competitive drive and ability to produce in clutch moments will make her a difference-maker for the Flames."
Ashley Ellevog | C | Chicago, Ill. | Amundsen HS
A four-year, two-sport athlete playing softball and flag football at Amundsen High School, Ellevog has led her team in RBI, batting average, slugging percentage, and home runs. She helped her program go undefeated in conference play and win their first state playoff game in school history. Ellevog is the first player to sign with a Division I softball program in Amundsen's history.
"Ashley brings power, grit, and a competitive edge to our Flames family," said Coronado. "Her leadership behind the plate will elevate our defense, and we can't wait to see her thrive in a UIC uniform."
Samantha Hillner | C/INF | Antioch, Ill. | Antioch Community HS
While at Antioch Community High School, Hillner has helped the team win three sectional titles, three regional titles, and three conference titles, and has placed in the top three of the state championship tournaments twice. Hillner has earned all-conference and all-area honors three times, all-academic twice, all-state, all-region, and NFCA all-American honors once. As a junior, she led her team in home runs, on base plus slugging, slugging and stolen base percentage, while being a co-captain.
"An NFCA All-American, Samantha's presence commands attention every time she steps on the field. Her leadership and passion for the game will make an immediate impact as she continues to grow as both a player and a leader at UIC," said Coronado.
Mea Johnson | C/UTIL | Silvis, Ill. | United Township HS
A four-year starter for United Township High School, Johnson is coming off a great junior campaign, batting .366 with 34 hits, eight doubles, and 8 home runs. She received all-conference honors after helping her program to a 19-12-1 record. In her sophomore year, Johnson helped her school to win a regional championship.
"Mea embodies versatility and selflessness — the ultimate team-first player," Coronado said. "Her ability to excel in multiple positions makes her a vital piece to our lineup, and her servant leadership sets the tone for our culture on and off the field."
Alyssa Shimanski | OF |Long Grove, Ill. | Adali E. Stevenson HS
A two-sport athlete playing basketball and softball at Adali E. Stevenson High School, Shimanski has earned all-conference and all-conference honorable mention honors while helping lead her team to a conference championship and two regional titles.
"Alyssa brings speed, athleticism, and versatility to our roster. Her dynamic range on defense and aggressive baserunning style will add a spark to our lineup and keep opponents on their heels," said Coronado.
Brynn Woods | P/UTIL | Sugar Grove, Ill. | Kaneland HS
A four-year starter for Kaneland High School, Woods brought home all-conference, all-area, academic all-conference, and second team all-state honors for her efforts in the 2025 campaign. A two-time regional winner, Woods has demonstrated her talents both on and off the field, volunteering at pitching camps and participating in other charitable activities within her community.
"Brynn is a fierce competitor who commands respect in the circle. She's unshakable under pressure and brings the confidence and consistency every staff needs. Adding her to our pitching rotation gives us the depth and dominance we're building toward," said Coronado.
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