6 Best: Young Setters
The setting position has changed a lot over the last few years. Coaches tend to look for tall, athletic, players who not only set but can block and hit too. And, if they are left-handed that is a bonus. The…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe setting position has changed a lot over the last few years. Coaches tend to look for tall, athletic, players who not only set but can block and hit too. And, if they are left-handed that is a bonus. The idea of training in setters is not new, but we are seeing more teams opting for younger setters. Here a few of the best:
Maddie Converse: Last year she showed no fear at the state tournament with Kasson Mantorville as a freshmen. The stakes were high for Converse as she had to feed Ms. Baden finalist Peyton Seuss. We learned she does great under pressure. This year, the 5’8” setter may share some of the setting duties but we anticipate another strong state-tournament run for Maddie and her team.
Jaci Winchell: The coaches at Cannon Falls really know how to develop elite setters. Former Bomber, Hailey Huseth, has done great things for the UW-River Falls team as their setter; now, Jaci is taking the lead running their 5-1 offense. Jaci averages 15.5 assists/set. She is wise with her choice and spreads the ball nicely. Recently she helped her team defeat the state-ranked Kenyon-Wanamingo team. Only a sophomore, the ball is in good hands the next several years.
Lydia Larsen: The Willmar volleyball team is in great hands with youthful leader, Lydia. At 5’7”, her team is able to run a 5-1 offense without skipping a beat blocking. As a player for Kandi Eilte Volleyball club, she is accustomed to tough competition and hard work. She already has almost 500 set assists!
Abby Jandro: Lakeville North is another team with a sophomore setter. She averages almost 11 assists/set. Her game high 58 assists in their win over Lakeville South .
Kenidi McCabe: Now a junior, McCabe is responsible for leading Mabel Canton’s feisty team. At 5’5”, she and her team are not known for their height but rather heart. She already has over 1,200 career assists, making it past 1,000 this year.
Olivia Koeppen: This junior, setter from Minnetonka is a true leader for her team. Her smart setting choices give her hitters better odds at the net. She puts her team in a position to beat stronger teams. In their most recent win over Bloomington Jefferson, Olivia had 42 assists and 9 digs.
* all numbers and stats from MN Volleyball Hub & MaxPreps.
*cover photo from Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com