HARROGATE, Tenn. – Fourth-year head coach John Cash and the Lincoln Memorial University men's volleyball program announced its 2020 newcomers Tuesday, welcoming sophomore middle hitter Lucas Chazo and freshman defensive specialist Jacob Miller for the 2021 season and beyond. The pair join a talented squad coming off of an impressive 14-4 campaign, the Railsplitters' best in terms of winning percentage (.778).
 
Hailing from Midlothian, Virginia, and transferring to LMU after spending one year at John Tyler Community College in Chester, Virginia, Chazo will be yet another piece in the Railsplitters' skilled group of middles. Named to the Dean's List and a Phi Theta Kappa member in his lone year at John Tyler C.C., Chazo lettered at Midlothian High School where he was a National Honor Society member and honor roll student. The 6-foot-4 attacker competed for Richmond Volleyball Club (RVC) in club ball and has spent over half of his life playing volleyball. A biology major, Chazo is the son of Kim and Jorge Chazo and has one sister, Madison.
 
A decorated beach player and the 2020 Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) America Young Gun Award winner, Miller arrives at LMU from Hendersonville, Tennessee, the same hometown as fellow Railsplitter Jacob Titus. In addition to capturing the prestigious Young Gun Award, Miller was the first recipient of the Eric Zaun Memorial Scholarship, which is presented annually to a young beach volleyball player who embodies the spirit, drive and passion of the late Eric Zaun. A standout at Beech High School, Miller earned both state and district distinction.
 
Competing on the beach circuit, Miller won the 18U AVP America 2-Star Juniors East Coast Championships and National Qualifier this past February. He teamed up with sophomore outside hitter Titus for a third-place showing in the Men's Open Division at the AVP America Nashville Beach Tournament Series last August and claimed third place in 18U at the 2020 USA National Beach Tour Junior Championship in Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to taking second place in U19 at the 2019 USA Volleyball Beach High Performance Championships, Miller earned third place in 18U - National Open Division at the 2019 USA Volleyball National Beach Tour Junior Beach National Championships. In travel ball, Miller competed for C2 Attack Beach Volleyball Club.
 
An honor roll student and GPA award winner, Miller also lettered in track and field. The son of Michelle and Robert Miller, Jacob claimed the Tri-State Scholarship and will be studying occupational/physical therapy at LMU.
 
With the addition of Chazo and Miller, the Railsplitters add even more depth to a roster that features 17 returning letter winners and 2020 Off the Block, Frisco Mo All-Independent Team performers Pedro Carvalho, AJ Risavy and Dawson Walker. Prior to the 2020 season being halted due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, LMU was on a nine-match win streak. The favorite to win their third consecutive Independent Volleyball Association (IVA) Championship title, the Railsplitters wrapped up the shortened season by making it 27-straight victories inside their home venue Mary Mars Gymnasium.
 
LMU is set to begin its 2021 campaign Friday, Jan. 15 in Harrogate.
 
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