DEERFIELD, Ill. - Trinity International volleyball and head coach Luke Ward announced the signing of two new additions for the upcoming season, in defensive specialist Lindsay Melvin, and setter Piper Thompson.

Melvin joins the Trojans after four years at Wilmington HS in Wilmington, Ill., where she helped lead the Wildcats to a regional title as a senior last fall. Melvin was a three-time Interstate 8 All-Academic Award from 2013-15, and won the school's Academic Excellence Award as a freshman.

"I chose TIU because since it's a small school, you are treated as a person instead of a number," said Melvin. "It's also really important for me to be surrounded by friends and a team that I can grow with over the next few years, and I feel that the strong sense of community will enable me to do that."

Thompson comes to Trinity from Legend HS in Parker, Colo., where she was twice named to the All-Continental League Team and anchored a Titans squad that won two regional titles. Thompson was named team MVP during her sophomore season, and was a two-time Academic All-State First Team honoree for her work in the classroom.

"The girls were so friendly and good people that I could see as my friends," said Thompson on her campus visit to TIU. "Coach Ward was welcoming and wanted me to be at a place that was a good fit for me, and a good fit for the team. I'm happy to call Trinity my home next year."