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The University of Utah Athletics
Utes Collect Four Signees on National Signing Day
11/12/2025 7:52 AM | Softball
Coach Amy Hogue welcomes a quartet of new additions
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah softball program officially announced its 2026 signing class on Wednesday and head coach Amy Hogue welcomed four new student-athletes to the squad, all of whom will be joining the roster in time for the start of the 2027 campaign.
The four new Utes joining the program are infielder Maggie Hamblin, utility player Brooke Paalhar, outfielder Kiran Kyham and catcher DeNae Lee.
Maggie Hamblin – Infielder – Riverton, Utah – Riverton High School – Utah Fastpitch Club Korth
Rated as a four-start recruit by OnDeck Softball, Maggie Hamblin has spent the last three years laying waste to Utah's 6A softball landscape. She's crafted a .508 career average with 36 homers, 129 RBIs and an 1.104 slugging percentage. That résumé helped her earn first-team all-state picks in 2024 and 2025 and three all-region honors, as well as a Region 2 MVP award. In both 2024 and 2025, Hamblin helped lead her team to the 6A State Championship and her work during her team's most recent postseason run earned her the playoff MVP award. She was also an all-state choice in basketball at Riverton High School.
"Maggie is a left-handed power hitter who will bring a strong presence to the corners for us," said Hogue, "She's a local athlete who we are excited to put in a Utah uniform and have her represent her home state. I've watched her play for four years and I'm excited to now have the opportunity to coach her. Her pride for this program will make an immediate impact."
Maggie is the daughter of Scott and Kenndi and has three siblings, Nate, Kaleb and Luke. She'll be pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.
Brooke Paalhar – Utility – Kearney, Mo. – Kearney High School – Louisville Lady Sluggers
Brooke Paalhar has spent her prep career rewriting the Kearney High School record book. She's set new program records for career hits, doubles and RBIs and, as a junior, broke school records for RBIs and doubles in a single season. Those accomplishments helped her collect all-conference, all-district and first-team all-state honors as she led the Kearney Bulldogs to a district title, something they've captured in each of the last three years. Paalhar, who has been chosen for the all-state team three times, was also part of a squad that won a state championship in 2022.
At the club level with the Louisville Lady Sluggers, she was a 14U Gold Co-Champion in 2022 and was part of a team that achieved third place at TC Nationals in 2023.
"Brooke is a dynamic lefty hitter who brings both speed and power," said Hogue. "She's a utility player who can contribute in the infield or the outfield and her high IQ and versatility on the field is a rare combination. She is a multi-sport athlete who is competitive, vocal and brings natural leadership to the teams she is a part of. We're so glad to have her as a Ute."
Brooke is the daughter of Sara and Andy Paalhar and has one sibling, Jackson. Outside of her career on the diamond, she twice achieved all-conference status in basketball and was state qualifier in the javelin at Kearney High. Her mother lettered in track and field at Truman State.
Kiran Kyham – Outfielder – Houston, Texas – One Day Academy – Blaze United 14U, 16U, 18U, Impact Gold 18U Jackson
Kiran Kyham's exploits on the diamond have earned her a spot on the Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American Watch List, as well as in the 2025 Line Drive Media Top 50. She's been ranked as a top 50 player in the Extra Inning Softball Region #4 Extra Elite Class of 2026 as well and named an Extra Inning Select Achiever. The numbers that helped her garner such recognition include a junior year in which she hit .411, scored 41 runs and piled up 37 hits, including 12 doubles, in just 28 games. Kyham has also been a winner in her prep career, assisting her team in taking home TAIAO State Championships in 2023 and 2024 and the NACA Division National Championship in 2024.
Kyham's club career includes time on the field for Blaze United 14U, 16U and 18U and Impact Gold 18U Jackson. At both the 2025 Patriot Games and the 2025 Hotshots Invite, she achieved all-tournament status.
"Kiran is a high-energy, speedy outfielder who can make things happen offensively as a true triple-threat," said Hogue. "Her enthusiasm and effort show up every time she takes the field, and it is easy to see the immediate impact she can bring to our program. She plays the game with intent, confidence and joy and we're excited to welcome her to Utah."
Kiran, who also competed in volleyball in high school, is the daughter of Jennifer and Kiland Kyham and has two siblings, Kiaya and Kiland. She plans to study Political Science, International Relations and Comparative Politics at Utah.
DeNae Lee – Catcher – Monterey, Calif. – Monterey High School – Rebels, MB Pirates, Salinas Storm, Suncats Jimenez
DeNae Lee has done nothing but hit in high school, putting together a .451 average with 16 homers, 10 of which came during her junior campaign. She merited inclusion on the 2024-25 All-Monterey Bay League and All-Pacific Coast League rosters, as well as the 2023-24 All-Pacific Coast Athletic League and All-Monterey Country softball teams. Lee was also named her team's offensive player of the year as a sophomore and a junior and as a freshman, helped her squad capture the CIF Central Coast Section title.
On the club circuit, she started playing 12U ball at the age of eight and, during her time with Suncats Jimenez, was part of the team that placed in the top five at Nationals.
"DeNae is a right-handed power hitter who will contribute both behind the plate and at first base," said Hogue. "She has the ability to change the game with one swing and her presence in the box demands attention. Defensively, she's highly respected as a catcher. Very few are willing to test her. Her confidence, poise and on-field presence will be valuable from day one and I'm looking forward to seeing her wear red."
DeNae, who was also on her high school's volleyball and flag football teams, is the daughter of Romina Aiello and has one sibling, Jurnee. She plans to major in Business.
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Softball |Instagram: @utahsoftball | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
The four new Utes joining the program are infielder Maggie Hamblin, utility player Brooke Paalhar, outfielder Kiran Kyham and catcher DeNae Lee.
Maggie Hamblin – Infielder – Riverton, Utah – Riverton High School – Utah Fastpitch Club Korth
Rated as a four-start recruit by OnDeck Softball, Maggie Hamblin has spent the last three years laying waste to Utah's 6A softball landscape. She's crafted a .508 career average with 36 homers, 129 RBIs and an 1.104 slugging percentage. That résumé helped her earn first-team all-state picks in 2024 and 2025 and three all-region honors, as well as a Region 2 MVP award. In both 2024 and 2025, Hamblin helped lead her team to the 6A State Championship and her work during her team's most recent postseason run earned her the playoff MVP award. She was also an all-state choice in basketball at Riverton High School.
"Maggie is a left-handed power hitter who will bring a strong presence to the corners for us," said Hogue, "She's a local athlete who we are excited to put in a Utah uniform and have her represent her home state. I've watched her play for four years and I'm excited to now have the opportunity to coach her. Her pride for this program will make an immediate impact."
Maggie's made it official!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 12, 2025
Our first signee of the day is Utah native Maggie Hamblin! Welcome to the U, Maggie!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/rwhDIx49Yt
Maggie is the daughter of Scott and Kenndi and has three siblings, Nate, Kaleb and Luke. She'll be pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.
Brooke Paalhar – Utility – Kearney, Mo. – Kearney High School – Louisville Lady Sluggers
Brooke Paalhar has spent her prep career rewriting the Kearney High School record book. She's set new program records for career hits, doubles and RBIs and, as a junior, broke school records for RBIs and doubles in a single season. Those accomplishments helped her collect all-conference, all-district and first-team all-state honors as she led the Kearney Bulldogs to a district title, something they've captured in each of the last three years. Paalhar, who has been chosen for the all-state team three times, was also part of a squad that won a state championship in 2022.
At the club level with the Louisville Lady Sluggers, she was a 14U Gold Co-Champion in 2022 and was part of a team that achieved third place at TC Nationals in 2023.
"Brooke is a dynamic lefty hitter who brings both speed and power," said Hogue. "She's a utility player who can contribute in the infield or the outfield and her high IQ and versatility on the field is a rare combination. She is a multi-sport athlete who is competitive, vocal and brings natural leadership to the teams she is a part of. We're so glad to have her as a Ute."
Brooke is our newest Ute!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 12, 2025
Help us welcome Brooke Paalhar to the University of Utah! Welcome to the U, Brooke!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/YHOcQvKwqY
Brooke is the daughter of Sara and Andy Paalhar and has one sibling, Jackson. Outside of her career on the diamond, she twice achieved all-conference status in basketball and was state qualifier in the javelin at Kearney High. Her mother lettered in track and field at Truman State.
Kiran Kyham – Outfielder – Houston, Texas – One Day Academy – Blaze United 14U, 16U, 18U, Impact Gold 18U Jackson
Kiran Kyham's exploits on the diamond have earned her a spot on the Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American Watch List, as well as in the 2025 Line Drive Media Top 50. She's been ranked as a top 50 player in the Extra Inning Softball Region #4 Extra Elite Class of 2026 as well and named an Extra Inning Select Achiever. The numbers that helped her garner such recognition include a junior year in which she hit .411, scored 41 runs and piled up 37 hits, including 12 doubles, in just 28 games. Kyham has also been a winner in her prep career, assisting her team in taking home TAIAO State Championships in 2023 and 2024 and the NACA Division National Championship in 2024.
Kyham's club career includes time on the field for Blaze United 14U, 16U and 18U and Impact Gold 18U Jackson. At both the 2025 Patriot Games and the 2025 Hotshots Invite, she achieved all-tournament status.
"Kiran is a high-energy, speedy outfielder who can make things happen offensively as a true triple-threat," said Hogue. "Her enthusiasm and effort show up every time she takes the field, and it is easy to see the immediate impact she can bring to our program. She plays the game with intent, confidence and joy and we're excited to welcome her to Utah."
Kiran is coming to Utah!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 12, 2025
Outfielder Kiran Kyham has officially joined the squad! Welcome to the U, Kiran!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/GB98pg7LMt
Kiran, who also competed in volleyball in high school, is the daughter of Jennifer and Kiland Kyham and has two siblings, Kiaya and Kiland. She plans to study Political Science, International Relations and Comparative Politics at Utah.
DeNae Lee – Catcher – Monterey, Calif. – Monterey High School – Rebels, MB Pirates, Salinas Storm, Suncats Jimenez
DeNae Lee has done nothing but hit in high school, putting together a .451 average with 16 homers, 10 of which came during her junior campaign. She merited inclusion on the 2024-25 All-Monterey Bay League and All-Pacific Coast League rosters, as well as the 2023-24 All-Pacific Coast Athletic League and All-Monterey Country softball teams. Lee was also named her team's offensive player of the year as a sophomore and a junior and as a freshman, helped her squad capture the CIF Central Coast Section title.
On the club circuit, she started playing 12U ball at the age of eight and, during her time with Suncats Jimenez, was part of the team that placed in the top five at Nationals.
"DeNae is a right-handed power hitter who will contribute both behind the plate and at first base," said Hogue. "She has the ability to change the game with one swing and her presence in the box demands attention. Defensively, she's highly respected as a catcher. Very few are willing to test her. Her confidence, poise and on-field presence will be valuable from day one and I'm looking forward to seeing her wear red."
It's a special day for DeNae!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 12, 2025
Catcher DeNae Lee is officially a Utah Ute! Welcome to the U, @denaelee2026!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/0MG6Y7T71Z
DeNae, who was also on her high school's volleyball and flag football teams, is the daughter of Romina Aiello and has one sibling, Jurnee. She plans to major in Business.
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Softball |Instagram: @utahsoftball | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
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