Mt. Carroll, Ill. - The Ashford University volleyball team signed another recruit on Thursday, signing setter Chelsey Sipe of Mt. Carroll, Ill., the eighth prospect to commit to play for the Saints next season. 

The West Carroll High School product signed her letter of intent on Thursday during a ceremony on her home court. Teammate Rebecca Fritz was on hand for the occasion as well, announcing her commitment to Dominican University in Lake Forest, Ill.

Coached by West Carroll H.S. Head Coach Craig Cross, Sipe was a key member of a Thunder volleyball squad that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2009 IHSA Volleyball Tournament. During Sipe's four year career, West Carroll advanced to the Regional Championships every year, capturing the regional title three times.

Sipe was awarded All-Conference honors three times while also being named to numerous All-Area teams (Freeport, Clinton, and Sauk Valley). Sipe was the West Carroll Leadership Award recipient this past season as well.

"We're really excited because one of the positions that we needed to fill last year was the setter," said AU Head Coach Micah Cewe. "We're excited that Chelsey is local and can set for us because she really adds some depth to the position."

Cross took a few moments to discuss his star players during the ceremony, describing Sipe as the ‘quarterback of the court' - a role Cewe sees Sipe playing next season as well.

"We look at our setter every year, and whether they're a captain or not they really are a leader on the court for us," added Cewe. "We look at the position as the quarterback, she leads everything on the court and it all goes through her. We definitely needed somebody with strong leadership abilities to fill that position."

Sipe was joined by her parents, Art and Wendy Sipe, and her older sister, Brittany, for the signing ceremony along with several media outlets covering the story. A prospective criminal justice major at Ashford, she chose to play for the Saints over Knox College.

"I've been playing since I was nine years old, and I'm excited for my playing days to continue," said Sipe. "The volleyball program at Ashford is strong, and I wanted to go into a strong program while staying close to my family."

-By Assistant SID, Mitch Stoermer

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.
Lindsey Renkes - MB/OH - Fulton, Ill.
Micah Wedemeier - RS - Tripoli, Iowa
Chelsey Sipe - S - Mt. Carroll, Ill.