CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University volleyball program stayed local for its latest signing, receiving a commitment from defensive specialist/libero Kim Rogis of Fulton, Ill., earlier this week.

Rogis is the fifth signing in AU Head Coach Micah Cewe's recruiting haul, adding to Black Hawk East College transfer Jessie Tompkins, outside hitter/middle blocker Chelsea Higgins of Festus, Mo., setter Lauren Johnson of Port Byron, Ill., and setter JoAnna Hoffman of Prospect Heights, Ill.

Cewe cultivated ties once again at Fulton High School where Rogis is finishing up and former Saints' starters Aubree Rhoades and Abby Adams also completed their prep careers.

"I have been able to watch Kim play volleyball and basketball since she was in middle school," Cewe said. "She has developed into a mature volleyball player over the years. I am excited to add Kim to the libero position as I know she will have a bright future."

Rogis was part of two intrasquad teams that Fulton volleyball Head Coach Stacy Germann brought over to AU's Kehl Arena over the summer to compete in the Champs Invitational Tournament. (Read story here).

Germann has overseen Rogis' development through high school and various camps. She spoke glowingly about what her protégé brings to the table.

"Kim is the fastest passer I've ever had," praised Germann. "She's dedicated, an extremely hard worker and she has very quick feet."

"I get overjoyed when I see my kids go on because I tell them they should take every opportunity to play collegiate volleyball," she added. "Kim has worked hard and deserves to play at the next level."

Rogis was a three-sport standout athlete for the Steamers in volleyball, basketball and track and field. She was named the Three Rivers Conference Player of the Year as a libero, the first time in league history a defensive specialist received top honors.

Rogis was voted a unanimous First-Team All-Conference pick as a senior and holds single season (372) and career (825) records at Fulton in digs. She was a Clinton Herald All-Area First-Team selection and received a pair of awards at the team banquet, including Super Digger and Most Consistent Serve Receive.

"I've always wanted to play collegiately and I'm excited to be able to stay close to home," said Rogis, who will wear jersey No. 5 for the Saints. "Volleyball is my number one love."

Rogis has attended Ashford's open gym sessions on Sunday and eventually picked the Saints over University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Monmouth College.

Rogis, the daughter of Dave and Linda Rogis, will be pursuing a degree in Business while at Ashford.

2010 Ashford Volleyball Commitments
Lauren Johnson - S - Port Byron, Ill.
JoAnna Hoffman - S - Prospect Heights, Ill.
Chelsea Higgins - OH/MB - Festus, Mo.
Jessie Tompkins - DS - Naperville, Ill.
Kim Rogis - DS - Fulton, Ill.