CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University volleyball program was pleased to announce the signing of a trio of newcomers for 2010 in outside hitter/middle blocker Chelsea Higgins of Festus, Mo., and setters Lauren Johnson of Port Byron, Ill., and JoAnna Hoffman of Prospect Heights, Ill.

The Saints will have three players departed along the front line for the next season after graduating three NAIA Academic All-Americans, Lisa LaMasse, Rachel Caulkins and Breelyn McMahon.

"We're excited to add these players from reputable high school programs in the Midwest," AU Head Coach Micah Cewe said. "Each one brings something different to the table, unique traits that we are hoping will translate to success on the collegiate level."

Chelsea Higgins - OH/MB - Festus, Mo. (Festus)

Higgins was a three-time all-conference selection at Festus High School, earning first-team recognition in her senior year. She was also garnered all-district and second-team all-region accolades while being named to a pair of prestigious all-star teams.

Higgins helped the Tigers to an impressive 28-6-0 record during her sophomore campaign, ranking as the third-best blocker within the conference. She earned second-team honors for both her conference and district.

The versatile Higgins played in the middle for her first two years at Festus before transitioning to the outside in her junior and senior years.

The daughter of Tom and Jacque Higgins, Chelsea has her sights set on a degree in Business Administration with minors in Information Systems and International Business.

Lauren Johnson - S - Port Byron, Ill. (Riverdale)

Johnson attended Riverdale High School, the same school as Ashford NAIA National High Jump Qualifier A.J. Smith, who also lists Port Byron as his hometown. She tallied 660 assists as a junior, ranking fifth in the TRAC 8 Conference with nearly a 99 percent setting percentage.

Johnson was the recipient of the Most Assists award as a junior and also was named to the TRAC 8 Academic All-Conference Team. She recorded Riverdale's highest serving percentage as a senior and freshman at 94.64 and 91.26 percent, respectively.

Johnson chose to attend Ashford over Western Illinois University.

Johnson is the daughter of David and Reba Johnson and will pursue her degree in education while attending Ashford.

JoAnna Hoffman - S - Prospect Heights, Ill. (John Hersey)

Hoffman aided John Hersey High School to its third-best season in school history, a 35-4 overall record that included a perfect 10-0 MSL East Conference mark. Hersey enjoyed a banner season that included a trip to the Sweet 16 of the Illinois state tournament, a regional championship and Mid-Suburban League Conference Championship.

Hoffman compiled 856 assists while leading Hersey in service aces (69) and used a left-handed attack to nail down 118 kills. She also racked up 192 digs and received media attention from various services including Champaign News Gazette Honorable Mention All-State honors.

"JoAnna was clearly one of the best setters in our area," Hersey Head Coach Nancy Lill said. "She was our floor leader in charge of getting the hitters the ball. She did a great job of running our offense and keeping our opponents off balance."

Hoffman has played club volleyball for the past six years and served as captain for three. She attended junior nationals with her team and finished champions in flight.

Hoffman played in the same conference as Saints' freshman setter Liz Gbur of Darien, Ill., who attended Hinsdale South High School.

With aspirations of eventually becoming a high school guidance counselor or social worker after graduating from Ashford, Hoffman has her sights set on a degree in Psychology. She is the daughter of John and Sharon Hoffman.