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 today, Kirkwood Coach Joe Yegge said Tuesday morning.

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.

"She's got tremendous power. She's athletic. She's a multiple-position  kid," said 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."

Yegge said Mayhew picked the Hawkeyes over Iowa State and Evansville.

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.