Rankings Update: ’24s In Charge
I was a setter and I coached setters back in the days of horse-drawn carriages, so I know what I like in a setter. It’s more than just getting to a bad pass, or just winning all the time. Your…
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Continue ReadingI was a setter and I coached setters back in the days of horse-drawn carriages, so I know what I like in a setter. It’s more than just getting to a bad pass, or just winning all the time. Your job as a setter is to make everyone else around you significantly better because of your presence on the floor. You can tell the difference in a team when they have a setter they can trust as opposed to a setter they’re not quite connected with. That being said, here are five setters that I especially like from the 2024 graduating class.
Kamryn Utley Kamryn Utley 5'8" | S Cathedral | 2024 State IN , 5-7, Team Indiana Elite 15
One of, if not the, most athletic setters in any class is Kamryn. Her size means nothing since her athleticism is off the charts. After watching her play since last fall, her consistent rise in skill is paralleling her maturity. Knowing whom to set and at what time, all while playing exemplary defense is a set of skills just not seen among setters in Indiana in any class.
Mya Ball Mya Ball 6'2" | RS Angola | 2024 State #124 Nation IN , 5-10, Team Pineapple 14 Black
Yes, THAT Ball. She’s young, so playing down puts her with her maturity group. Considering the pedigree, the training and her gym rat nature, it’s no coincidence how accomplished her club team is so early in the season. Now that we’re into March, I’m intrigued to see what kind of progress she’s made against tougher competition (read: qualifier season).
Olivia Gisslen Olivia Gisslen 5'9" | S Carroll | 2024 State #196 Nation IN , 5-9, Empowered 16 Elite Black
High and quick hands identify Olivia almost immediately, and her set accuracy makes her teammates immediately better. The only player to play “up” on this list is clearly capable of playing at a faster level, and her instincts have served her well early this season. Her length can also alter attacker’s shots when she blocks, adding to an already full skill set.
Leah Richmond Leah Richmond 5'8" | S Lawrence North | 2024 State IN , 5-8, Academy 15 Elite Venom
Already with significant playing time at the varsity level, Leah is a smart, athletic setter whose calm demeanor and high volleyball IQ make her an exceptional setter for Academy’s top 15s team. One of the things that separates Leah from the others on this list is her ability to run the show. There is no doubt who is in charge, and her no-nonsense attitude on the floor is easy to follow. Watch the Venom play, and you’ll see those intangibles quickly.
Allie Shondell Allie Shondell 5'9" | S McCutcheon | 2024 State #78 Nation IN , 5-9, Boiler Juniors 15 Elite Gold
Yes, THAT Shondell. The only setter on this list with full-time varsity experience running a 5-1, Allie is getting better in a hurry, and not just because of her bloodline. I like her size, her willingness to be coached, and her all-around game. You have to be reminded of how young Miss Shondell is, because she plays well beyond her years and is getting better in a hurry.