CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University women's track and field program added a pair of athletes from the Chicagoland area recently, signing thrower Sarah Gans of Wilmington, Ill., and sprinter/jumper Myelle Vann of Chicago.

Gans enjoyed a wealth of success while at Wilmington High School, where she participated in track and in basketball throughout all four years while also playing soccer her freshman year. On the track, Gans was a three-time Illinois state track and field meet qualifier and she placed 13th overall in both the discus and the shot put this past season.

Also as a Wildcat, Gans earned the Coaches Award and scored the most points for her team for three seasons. Off the track and the courts, Gans was a two-time Academic All-Interstate Eight Conference award winner.

The daughter of Steven and Susan, Gans is a prospective Psychology major when she arrives to campus, and chose Ashford over Northpark University, St. Xavier University and Joliet Junior College.

While at Oak Lawn Community High School, Vann helped the Spartans to back-to-back South Suburban Conference titles her junior and season seasons.

Vann also represents yet another student-athlete pulled from Oak Lawn Community High School as she joins NAIA indoor qualifier Spencer Touchie of Hometown, Ill., and runner Thomas Hansen, also of Hometown.

Vann earned individual All-Conference accolades after winning the triple jump as a junior, and after taking first place honors in the 400-meter dash and 4x400-meter relay as a senior. Her top time in the 400 qualified her for the Illinois state meet in her final season.

Beyond the track, Vann was a member of the cheerleading and dance squads at OLCHS throughout her four years as well.

A prospective Visual Arts major when she arrives to campus, Vann is the daughter of Denise Vann. She chose Ashford over Western Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University and Columbia University.