CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University volleyball program added additional depth on the back line, recently acquiring the services of junior defensive specialist Jessie Tompkins of Naperville, Ill.

Tompkins, a transfer from Black Hawk East College, becomes the fourth signing AU Head Coach Micah Cewe's latest recruiting haul. She joins outside hitter/middle blocker Chelsea Higgins of Festus, Mo., setter Lauren Johnson of Port Byron, Ill., and setter JoAnna Hoffman of Prospect Heights, Ill.

"It's really nice to be able to sign someone with two years experience," Cewe said. "I was able to go over and watch Jessie play (at Black Hawk) a couple times and she came to an open gym here and did really well. It's great to add depth, especially when we return two senior defensive specialists next fall."

Tompkins served as captain in her sophomore year at Black Hawk East, members of the Arrowhead Conference. She helped lead the Lady Warriors to a 31-11 overall record in 2009, the best in school history, and a NJCAA Regional Championship.

Tompkins recorded 523 digs last fall, second on the team, as Black Hawk East finished runner-up in conference play. She chose Ashford over Western Illinois University in Macomb.

"I'm excited to be joining the program at Ashford," Tompkins said. "It's always been a dream of mine to play collegiate volleyball since high school and I get to continue that dream. Having a couple years of experience will help me try and fill a leadership role to the younger players."

Tompkins, the daughter of Michael and Gina Tompkins, is planning on continuing her major in Physical Education while enrolled at Ashford.