CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University volleyball and track and field programs each added a new member to its respective roster earlier this month as Nichole Johnson of Center Point committed to participate in both sports next fall.

"Nichole is a very gifted two-sport athlete and we are glad to have her as a part of the volleyball program next year," said AU volleyball Head Coach Micah Cewe. "Her attacking ability along with her passing skills will make her a dual threat in the front and back row and she will add a great deal of depth to the outside position."

Coached by Todd Hines and Cathy Husmann on the volleyball court, Johnson was an Honorable Mention All-WaMaC Conference selection as a junior. She attended the same high school as former Saints' NAIA All-American outside hitter Jenny Buelow, who owns many of the school's single season and career records.

In her final season at CP-U, Johnson earned First Team All-Conference honors while also being named to the All-District squad.

During her freshman and sophomore years at Center Point-Urbana High School, Johnson was a member of the Stormin' Pointers sprint medley relay that qualified for the Iowa state track meet. It was during that same sophomore campaign that she was a member of the 4x400-meter and 110-shuttle hurdle relay teams for CP-U.

In addition to qualifying in the sprint medley relay, the 4x400-meter relay and the 400 hurdles during her junior season, Johnson had her highest state placing in the 100 hurdles, where she placed sixth overall.

"Signing Nichole is great because it fills one of our biggest needs on the women's side and fills it with a high quality student-athlete," said AU track and field Head Coach Chris Adams. "She was one of the top 100-meter hurdles in the state, and has progressed very well in the 400 hurdles."

The daughter of Steve and Connie Johnson, Johnson is the youngest of three siblings and enjoys drawing when she isn't on the volleyball court or the track.

A prospective Psychology major when she arrives to campus, Johnson chose Ashford over Wartburg College, Central College, University of Dubuque and University of Central Missouri.