Tinley Softball Standout Gunther to Attend Illinois Next Year

Senior Alyssa Gunther hasn't even started her final season on the Tinley Park High School softball team, but she knows where she'll be playing for her freshman year in college.

Gunther announced Wednesday, Nov. 14, that she was signing a letter of intent with the University of Illinois during a ceremony at the high school with her parents, Rhonda and Gary.

READ: Gunther Chosen Patch MVP in May

National letters of intent are part of a voluntary program in which student-athletes agree to attend a school and play in a specific sport, and the schools agree to provide a scholarship. Signing days are held three times a year; the next days are in February and May.

Here's a look at some of Gunther's stats:

Positions: Second base, outfield
2011 batting avg.: .559
Career highlights: Gunther has been a starter since her freshman year and has a batting average over .400 in that time. As a junior, she stole 40 bases. She also plays on the Orland Park Sparks traveling team.
Other activities: Member of the Mathletes, in the top five in her class in 2011 and the top 1 percent of her class throughout her time at Tinley Park High School. Member of the Academically Talented Program and the National Honor Society.

SOURCE: University of Illinois Athletics Department

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