CLINTON, Iowa - For the second time this week, Head Coach Micah Cewe has locked up an important piece to his 2012 squad. Samantha Magnussen, a senior at McHenry East High School in McHenry, Ill. has committed to continuing her academic and athletic careers as an Ashford University Saint.

The outside hitter/defensive specialist finished up her senior season as a First Team All-Fox Valley Conference selection and landed on the All-Area Honorable Mention squad.  Magnussen has also been a two-year varsity captain and received team MVP accolades following this past season.

In addition, the newest addition to the AU squad was most recently named to the News Gazette Illinois All-State Honorable Mention team following her senior campaign.

"Sam has a great attitude, good leadership abilities and loves to be that vocal player," said Cewe. "I look for her to step in and make an immediate impact on our team. Her skills and fundamentals are great; and her ability to lead is the type of asset we look for in our student-athletes."

The signing of Magnussen marks the second addition to the squad for next season after Taylor Mullen, a senior from Chicago, committed to AU on Thursday.

Samantha is the daughter of Mike and Jill Magnussen and plans to study Health Science Administration when she steps on campus next fall.