IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine head women's golf coach Margo Dionisio has announced the signing of Alona Avery, Katherine Gerbing and Katelyn Kong to National Letters of Intent.

"I am excited that Alona, Katherine, and Katelyn have chosen to pursue their academic and golf career at UCI," Dionisio said. "These three young ladies will make an immediate impact on my team. I believe all three golfers are elite players who will add competition to elevate my current players' games. As a result, our team will flourish in the upcoming years!"

Alona Avery
Riverside, Calif.

Alona Avery had several top finishes on the 2023 Southern California Toyota Tour Cup, including earning medalist honors at the TTC Westin Rancho Mirage in May.  She placed third at the TTC Cantlay Series at Bear Creek as well as fifth place performances at TTC at Redhawk Place, In 2022, she finished seventh at Se Ri Pak Desert Junior and 11^th at the Ping Heather Farr Classic Place. Avery has a current Rolex AJGA ranking of 237 and Junior Scoreboard Ranking (JGS) of 45 for class of 2024. Her sister Amari plays at USC.

Katherine Gerbing
Cypress, Calif./Cypress High School

Katherine Gerbing was a three-time All-Empire League First Team honoree as well as Empire League Player of the Year from Cypress High School. The Orange County Register All County First Team selection was ranked 127^th in AJGA and 38^th in the Junior Scoreboard Ranking (JGS) for the class of 2024. Gerbing won the 2023 AJGA Junior at Copper Valley and placed second at the 2023 SCPGA Toyota Tour Cup Max Homa Invitational. She advanced to the round of 32 at the 2023 USGA Four-Ball Championship in Dupont, Wash. And was the second alternate at the 2023 USGA Women's Amateur Qualifier in Riverside. Member of the Team SoCal victory at the 2023 SCPGA, JGANC: Cal Cup matches.

Katelyn Kong
North Hills, Calif./Notre Dame High School

Katelyn Kong earned All-Mission League honors and was a member of the Notre Dame squad that made history in 2021 as undefeated league champions. That team placed 4th in the CIF D1 tournament, then was second at the SCGA State qualifier and on to the Southern California Regional State finals for the first time in program history. She won the FCG Las Vegas Championship @ Primm Valley Golf Course and was runner-up at the Toyota Tour Cup at Redhawk as well as the Players Tour 2-Day Summer Series #4. Kong placed third at Toyota Tour Cup Mary Cave Cup at Singing Hills and the 2022 Toyota Tour Cup at the Golf Club at Rancho California. She was also named Notre Dame Athlete of the Week during her prep career. Kong has a AJGA ranking of 292 and a Junior Scoreboard Ranking (JGS) of 53 for Class of 2024.