Kirkwood slugger DoniRae Mayhew has committed to the University of  Iowa softball team and plans to sign a national letter-of-intent with the Hawkeyes on Wednesday.

Mayhew hit .440 with 18 home runs and 83 RBIs for Kirkwood last season  as a freshman. She also compiled a 5-0 record and 2.19 ERA in 12 appearances, mostly as a relief pitcher.

Mayhew was Kirkwood's regular first baseman in 2017 and also is a good  third baseman. The Hawkeyes want her to be a corner infielder and possibly pitch a little.

Mayhew visited Iowa on Nov. 4 and committed Tuesday night.

"I think it's a great step, because I'll have everything I want in a school," she said. "I just felt like I needed to be there."

Mayhew said she likes the campus and her future teammates, and she's also excited about majoring in physical therapy in the famed UI medical program. In addition, Iowa City is just an hour's drive from her home and family in Bettendorf.

Mayhew had offers from Iowa State and Evansville, but found everything she wanted in Iowa City.

"It came down to my family," she said. "I'm a big family person."

Mayhew made a big impact at Kirkwood last season when she helped the Eagles tie for the conference title and play in the national tournament.

"She's got tremendous power. She's athletic. She's a multiple-position  kid," said Kirkwood Coach Joe Yegge. He also praised Mayhew's dedication and commitment to the sport, including her work in the weight room.

Mayhew will become the first Kirkwood player to sign with Iowa during  Yegge's 11 years as head coach. "They've tried, but this is the first one," he said.

"I think it's a good spot," he said. "She's going to be close to family and in the state.

"This is awesome for her," Yegge added. "She didn't get many looks coming out of high school."

Mayhew began starring for Bettendorf High School as an eighth grader and was named all-state for five straight years. She was named the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year for 2014-15.

Yegge estimated he's had "15 or 20" of his players sign with NCAA  Division I schools after playing at Kirkwood, which has one of the top NJCAA Division II junior college programs in the country.