CHICAGO – UIC head softball coach Megan Coronado has announced the signing of junior outfielder Nyah Allen (Chicago, Ill. / Rock Valley) for the upcoming 2027 season. Allen is the seventh newcomer to join the Flames for next season, joining freshmen Kynadee Bode, Ashley Ellevog, Samantha Hillner, Mea Johnson, Alyssa Shimanski, and Brynn Woods.  
 
A Chicago native, Allen played her first two season at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Ill. With the Golden Eagles, Allen appeared in 115 games, including all 62 in her second season. Her sophomore campaign proved to be a breakout year, as she was named the NJCAA Region 4 Division II Player of the Year. Additionally, Allen was named an NFCA First Team All-American, an NFCA NJCAA DII Gold Glove winner and earned spots on the NJCAA All-Region 4 first team and NFCA All-Region Midwest Region first team 
 
"We're incredibly proud of Nyah and everything she's done to earn this opportunity," said Coronado. "Nothing about her journey has come easy, and that exactly what makes it so special. She has consistently put in the work, embraced challenges, and continued to grow through perseverance and determination. We know she's only scratching the surface of what she's capable of, and we can't wait to watch her chase records, make an impact, and represent UIC as a Flame. The future is bright for Nyah, and we're thrilled she's joining our family."
 
Allen wrote her name in the Rock Valley College record books, breaking their single-season records in total hits (103), doubles (32), and runs scored (103). She is tied for third in triples (7) and stolen bases (34). 
 
In her first year, she led the team in triples (5), while recording a .412 AVG with 66 hits, 44 RBI, 18 doubles, a .453 OB, a .606 SLG%, and 24 stolen bases. Then, in her second the outfielder led the team with a .507 AVG, 103 hits, 31 doubles, 7 triples, 47 extra base hits, a .571 OB%, a .862 SLG%, and 34 stolen bases while recording 9 home runs and 104 runs scored.
 
She will be joining the Flames who are coming off their first 20+ win season since 2021 under then first year head coach Coronado.  
 
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