CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University head volleyball coach Mike Johnson began his first recruiting class by adding  a pair of outside hitters as Lauren Henderson, of Fredericktown, Mo., and Calyn Hull, of Denver, Colo., signed letters of intent, the program announced Tuesday.

"We are very excited to be adding Calyn and Lauren to our program," said Johnson. "With these signings we have added much-needed size and athleticism. Both stand over six-foot tall, can touch a basketball rim, and have a very high ceiling. More importantly though, they are excellent people and will fit in seamlessly with our team culture."

Henderson, a 6-1, middle blocker averaged 3.95 kills and 1.33 service aces per set at Fredericktown High School. She was a first-team all-conference, first-team all-district and second-team all-region selection as a junior and senior. Henderson finished her prep career with 707 kills, 383 digs, 187 service aces and 121 blocks.

"I believe that - in Lauren - we may have found the quintessential diamond in the rough," said Johnson. "She comes from a very small town, where she has learned nothing but the value of hard work. Few kids her age can say that they spend three hours a week mowing their lawn. Though she is somewhat newer to volleyball at a high level, she has physical talents unlike many in the OVC. From all that have had the pleasure to coach her, she is a quick and enthusiastic learner and could develop into a very special player."

Hull, a 6-1, outside hitter, was recently named a first-team all-conference and first-team academic all-conference selection at D'Evelyn High School. It was a repeat of her all-conference selection as a junior. Hull also is an accomplished track and field athlete, finishing fourth in the high jump at the Class 4A state championship as a junior after finishing fifth the previous season.

"Calyn might be one of the more-highly sought after recruits ever to come to Austin Peay," Johnson said. "She turned down offers from some of the traditional volleyball powers to join us, and did so because she felt at home here. That's a testament to our team and every member of the athletics staff. Calyn is a high flyer (she may join our track team as a high jumper if she so chooses), and she also has fast feet and a quick arm. Though we project her as an outside hitter, perhaps one of her greatest assets is that she has the capability to play any of the front row positions."

The Lady Govs will lose three players from this season's team - seniors Stephanie Champine, Kirstin Distler and Marisa Jordan - which posted a 22-8 regular-season mark and posted the best conference finish (second) since 1991.

2010 Austin Peay Volleyball Incoming Class

• Lauren Henderson, 6-1, middle blocker, Fredericktown, Mo. (Fredericktown HS)
• Calyn Hull, 6-1, outside hitter, Denver, Colo. (D'Evelyn HS)

- AP -