Official Site of the Corona Angels 18Gold - Howard

Nov. 18, 2009

CHICAGO - The UIC softball program announced on Wednesday that Jacquelyn Fletcher (Lowell, Ind./Lowell H.S.), Courtney Heeley (Glendale, Ariz./Greenway H.S.), Natalie Hernandez (Glendora, Calif./Glendora H.S.) and Jenna Marsalli (Naperville, Ill./Nequa Valley H.S.) have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Flames for the 2011 season.

"We couldn't be more excited to have Jenna, Jacki, Natalie and Courtney join our program," said head coach and 2009 Horizon League Coach of the Year Michelle Venturella. "We know that they are going to help continue to move our program towards becoming a national contender, and they are wonderful young women who possess qualities that we value highly as a staff."

A southern California native, Hernandez enters her senior campaign on the heels of guiding Glendora High School to a Div. III runner-up finish in 2009. A force in the Sierra League, Hernandez has earned both first- and second-team all league accolades as well as being named league MVP in 2008. Natalie plays travel ball with the Corona Angels, a standout club that has also produced current Flames Stephanie Chavez, Ashley Hewett and Melinda Macias.

Hernandez excels in the classroom as well as on the field, as she was named a scholar-athlete as a freshman and has been honored as a Renaissance student for having a GPA of over 3.0 over the past three years.

"Natalie has been on many successful teams over the past several years and proves she knows how to win," said Venturella. "She loves to play the game and is truly excited about the opportunity to be a Flame."

"The integrity, hard work and ability to put the team first are all values that truly make these four student-athletes a great fit for UIC Softball. They come from outstanding families that are extremely supportive. We are thankful to have the opportunity to coach these four and look forward to creating wonderful memories together."