Simpson University women's volleyball coach Christy Swagerty-Vilas has announced the signing of five new student athletes to the Red Hawks. Becca Lawson of San Diego, California, Hannah Rodgers of Burney, California, Cashel White of Fallbrook, California, Kelly Tycksen of Littleton, Colorado, Nicole Cheek of Puyallup, Washington and Alicia Brown of Shasta Lake City, California will join the RedHawks in the 2010 season.

Becca Lawson, a 5-9 outside hitter, played four years of varsity in high school, six years of club volleyball, and is transferring from Grossmont College, where she spent two years and was named team captain and most valuable player during her sophomore year. "Becca is the type of teammate we must have in order to keep our program moving forward," said Swagerty-Vilas. "She is going to be one of the hardest workers with one of the best attitudes, and I am thrilled to be adding an athlete with such a high level of dedication to our teams. She will do whatever we need her to do, and she will do it well."

Hannah Rodgers joins Simpson with four years varsity experience from Burney High School. The 5-6 setter and defensive specialist led her team in assists in all of her years in varsity, and as a senior, led the Raiders in digs and aces. "Hannah is a phenomenal teammate and a privilege to coach," says Swagerty-Vilas. "She brings a deep passion for the game of volleyball and she is going to inspire our program through her servant leadership and genuine personality on and off the court."

Cashel White, a 5-10 outside hitter, joins the RedHawks from Palomar College, where she helped lead the Comets to back-to-back Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championships. White also comes with four years varsity experience from Vista High School and Fallbrook High School. Swagerty-Vilas said, "Having Cashel is a necessary step toward our success. Her drive to score points and be successful will impact this program in dynamic ways."

Kelly Tycksen, a 5-6 setter joins the RedHawks from Faith Christian Academy where she was named team captain of her varsity team and has earned numerous awards, including all-tournament teams and most valuable player awards, first team All 3A Metro, and was named honorable mention for the all-state team. She has assisted the Eagles to tournament championships, back-to-back 3A Metro and district championships, two state final four appearances, and last year took her team to the Colorado High School Activities Association championship match. "Kelly is a no-nonsense perfectionist with the ideal personality for the setting position," said Swagerty-Vilas. "She takes winning very seriously and encourages other players to work harder and better. Not only can she run the offense, but her defensive skills and efficient serve will bring our Red Hawk squad much more consistency and competitiveness."

Nicole Cheek, a 5-10 middle blocker joins the Red Hawks from Emerald Ridge High School where she played four years varsity and led the Jaguars in the South Puget Sound League (Div. 4A-Large Schools) as a starting middle blocker. She earned honorable mention All-South Puget Sound League honors and tied her school record for most blocks in a match. Cheek recorded 240 kills, over 82 blocks, 92.5 percent service clip, and set a school record of six blocks in a single match in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association championship playoffs. Coach Swagerty-Vilas said "Nikki is a powerful, dynamic player who constantly desires to be better. She puts up a solid block and has the ability to attack the high and quick sets effectively. She has a strong commitment to winning and success and will be quick to shine on our team this coming season."

Alicia Brown, a 5-7 setter joins the Red Hawks from Shasta College where she played two years with coach Kelly Brazil. Prior to her time with the Knights, Brown played at Enterprise High School under the direction of coach Mike Haworth. Coach Swagerty-Vilas said, "Alicia is an experienced competitor who is comfortable performing at the high levels in our conference and division. She run the offense with poise and makes smart decisions. Alicia's intensity and focus will make us better in practice and in matches."