2023 Spotlight Series: Standout Setters
You all know the drill. We’ve covered defensive specialists, middle blockers, and outside hitters. Now, I wanted to wrap up this series by talking about setters. Having a good setter is a gamechanger. Setters carry the unique responsibility of touching…
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Continue ReadingYou all know the drill. We’ve covered defensive specialists, middle blockers, and outside hitters. Now, I wanted to wrap up this series by talking about setters.
Having a good setter is a gamechanger. Setters carry the unique responsibility of touching the ball on nearly every point. That, in turn, gives them the heavy burden of bettering the ball whenever it comes their way. A nice tempo set or consistent location goes a long way toward helping hitters flourish.
Time to revisit some of the 2023 setters in our rankings that know how to dish it. I look forward to adding more athletes to this watch list in the future months and years.
Adison Markowski Adison Markowski 5'7" | S Lincoln Pius X | 2023 State NE – 5’7 S – Nebraska Juniors 16 Black
I got to see plenty of Markowski setting for her Pius X High School team last fall. Though that team had plenty of big-time hitters, Markowski made contributions to the offense that cannot be overlooked. In both high school and club, this is a setter who embodies the idea of making everyone around her better. Her hands allow her to set against the grain with ease. That, in turn, allows her hitters to face plenty of favorable matchups. Markowski’s floor defense, too, is effortless. This is a multi-dimensional player who is accustomed to winning at every level.
Ivy Leuck Ivy Leuck 5'8" | S Skutt Catholic | 2023 State NE – 5’9 S – Premier 16 Gold
Leuck is listed as a setter, but she’s listed at plenty of other positions, too. That’s just the kind of versatile player she is. As a setter, Leuck has shown a knack for putting deceptive balls that are difficult to track. She is particularly adept at backsetting on a rope to whoever is behind her. It’s worth mentioning all the other things that Leuck does well because it’s clearly not limited to setting. She’s a natural in floor defense and has experience as a defensive specialist with a primary passing role. This setter can also hit on either pin, and that helps contribute to her shutdown blocking skills. Leuck will simply play wherever she’s needed.
Audrey Behrens Audrey Behrens 5'6" | S Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE – 5’6 S/DS – Premier 16 Black
We’re continuing our trend of versatile setters here. When Behrens hasn’t been running an offense at the setting position, I’ve seen her make plenty of appearances in the libero jersey. She clearly has a lot of ball control experience in a couple of different phases of the game. All those unique skills combine to form one well-rounded player, and Behrens brings all of that to the floor when setting for Premier 16 Black. She’s a reliable force in right-back defense and is always available to put up a hittable ball in transition. Behrens could play in plenty of different spots on the floor moving forward.
Skylar Walters – 5’8 S – Premier 16 Black
Walters has been a fascinating player to follow. She made waves last fall after stepping into Millard West’s starting setter spot following an injury to standout senior Bridget Smith. And, by the way, this was Walters’ first-ever experience with the varsity squad. This huge experience has propelled Walters into this year’s club season, where she has carved out a big role for her Premier team. Not only is Walters a deceptive setter with great hands, but her entire team feeds off her energy and leadership. When that leadership shines again in the upcoming high school season, look out.
Lauryn England Lauryn England 5'7" | S Malcolm | 2023 State NE – 5’8 S – VCN 16 Elite
Here’s a setter who represents the small towns well. Despite being outside the big metros, England is not afraid of the big stage. She fits in perfectly with her athletic VCN 16 Elite squad. England sets a smooth offense regardless of how many frontcourt options she has. Her back-row attackers can do plenty of work. Under England’s watch, this VCN team has plenty of success ahead of it.