WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Hartford volleyball team has signed two players to National Letters of Intent, second-year head coach Vinh Nguyen announced Monday. The Hawks inked Robin Helms and Maddie Lindsay for the 2019 season.
 
Helms, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Merced, Calif., wrapped up her senior season where she captained the El Capitan High School volleyball team to the second round of the section playoffs and a second-place finish in league play. Helms was named Central California Conference (CCC) Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference.
 
During her junior season, Helms was named CCC Second Team All-Conference after leading the Gauchos to the first round of the section playoffs. She is a member of the Rage Volleyball Club out of Ripon, California, playing for head coach Gabe Leal.
 
"Robin has size, quickness and versatility as a middle blocker that led her El Capitan High School team to the California state playoffs," added Nguyen. "She is a smart volleyball player, with instinctive blocking skills. We are excited to welcome Robin to the Hartford family."
 
Lindsay, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Lehi, Utah, completed a successful career at Lehi High School, leading the team to the 4A State Finals her senior season. She was a two-time First Team All-State and All-Region selection, while also being named team MVP her junior season.
 
Lindsay excelled in the classroom as well, being named Academic All-Region twice and to the Utah Volleyball Academic Team three times. She is member of the Elevate Athletics Elite Team out of Provo, Utah, playing for head coaches Isa Takahashi and Chad Murray.
 
"Maddie is a tremendous athlete and an accomplished six rotation outside hitter that lead her Lehi High School team in Utah to the state championship finals," commented Nguyen. "Her size, standing at 6-foot-2, and ability to serve and pass coupled with her explosive attacking skills makes her a great addition to Hartford volleyball."
 
The Hawks return 11 players, including reigning America East Player of the Year Jenna Bridges, from a squad that made it to the semifinals of the America East Tournament for the first time in 22 years. The team's 11 wins were the most since 2014 and they will look to build on this year's success in 2019.