Clarke College Head Men's and Women's Volleyball Coach Chris Miron has announced the signing of seven recruits who will enroll at the college next fall and join the Crusaders' volleyball program.

Joining Clarke's women's program will be Bridget Bowman, a 5-8 outside hitter from Maroa, Ill.; Mary Collier, a 6-foot middle blocker from Oak Lawn, Ill.; Shannon Gallagher, a 5-10 outside hitter from Tinley Park, Ill.; and Tara Sargent, a 5-6 defensive specialist/libero from DePere, Wisconsin.

Bowman a three-year varsity letterwinner at Maroa-Forsyth High School, where she earned second-team all-county honors as a junior when the Trojans finished third at the Class 2A state tournament.

Collier prepped at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, where she earned GCAC academic all-conference honors in both 2007 and 2008.

Gallagher was a two-time varsity letterwinner at Lincoln-Way East High School. She was named the recipient of the Griffins' Best Offensive Player Award as a senior.

Sargent is a product of DePere High School, where she earned MVP honors as a freshman and was named the recipient of the program's Hustle Award as a sophomore.

Clarke posted a 26-9 record last fall and has compiled a 51-20 record over the past two seasons.

The men's newcomer list includes Justin Allen, a 6-6 opposite/middle blocker from Mokena, Ill.;, Michael Galgan, a 5-11 setter from Orland Park, Ill.; Michael Hernandez, a 6-1 outside hitter from Hebron, Ind.; and Tyler Oehmen, a 6-4 middle blocker from St. Louis, Missouri.

Allen was a two-year varsity letter in volleyball at Lincoln-Way East High School, while Galgan picked up two varsity letters in the sport at Providence Catholic High School.

Hernandez was a three-year letterwinner at Hebron High School, where he earned all-conference honors as a senior.

Oehmen is a product of Bishop DuBourg High School, where the two-time team captain was a four-year varsity letterwinner in volleyball. Oehmen earned honorable mention all-metro honors as a sophomore.

Clarke's men's team posted an overall record of 18-13 in 2009.

Miron expects to announce the signing of more recruits in the near future.