Which Setters Are Putting On A Clinic So Far?
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We are midway through bid season right now and teams are playing their absolute very best at all levels trying to secure the bid. This is a very exciting time for club volleyball because we get to watch some stressful…
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Continue ReadingWe are midway through bid season right now and teams are playing their absolute very best at all levels trying to secure the bid. This is a very exciting time for club volleyball because we get to watch some stressful yet exciting finishes to games. We have seen some impressive setters over the last few weeks and several of them have been running the floor like a clinic. Butter-soft hands, fast tempos, and great connections with their hitters are all reasons the following 8 athletes made the list.
Kinley Nicholls Kinley Nicholls 5'9" | S Hebron | 2026 TX – Frisco Flyers 18.1 APX Chip
Kinley Nicholls Kinley Nicholls 5'9" | S Hebron | 2026 TX is actually a 2026 playing up on an 18s team with Frisco Flyers. Yes, you read that right. While she might look younger than her teammates, skill-wise she has worked hard to fit right in. Kinley is no stranger to high-level competition after playing a year on varsity at big 6A Hebron. Kinley has been taking advantage of the higher-level play and has been improving quickly.
Taylor Cook Taylor Cook 5'11" | S Prestonwood Christian Academy | 2025 State #87 Nation TX – Skyline 16 Royal
Probably one of the most impressive setters coming out of the 2025 class is Taylor Cook Taylor Cook 5'11" | S Prestonwood Christian Academy | 2025 State #87 Nation TX . Nicknamed “The Ghost” Taylor moves around the court with a smoothness about her. Standing at 5’11, she has a great range she can move in between and still set the ball with her hands. Her team is almost always in system because Taylor uses her length and speed to get to the ball and get a fast-paced set out there. You can see Taylor next at the Show Me Qualifier.
Arianna Reyna Arianna Reyna 5'6" | S Forney | 2025 TX – Arete 16 Navy Telos
North Texas setting superstar Arianna Reyna Arianna Reyna 5'6" | S Forney | 2025 TX has been putting on a clinic of hustle, heart, and effort to go along with her amazing hands. You will definitely stop to watch this team play after seeing the fight that this team has. She has some great back sets that seem to fall right at the antennae, setting up her hitters very well on the right side. Her quick footwork and smooth release will definitely grab your attention.
Morgen Durgens Morgen Durgens 5'9" | S Clear Springs | 2024 State TX – Houston Skyline 18 Black
Fresh off of a qualifying weekend, Morgan Durgens and her team just secured a bid in 18 USA. Morgan is currently uncommitted and would be a great addition to any teams still looking. Morgan is super strong and accurate with her setting and is an excellent defender which makes her stand out from other setters. She doesn’t veer away from a tough swing and is very good in defense. As far as her setting, she ran the floor last weekend in Philidelphia where she was a major standout during the tournament.
Mikayla Gray Mikayla Gray 5'10" | S Killeen Chaparral | 2025 State TX – Roots 161
Mikayla Gray Mikayla Gray 5'10" | S Killeen Chaparral | 2025 State TX is one to watch in the class of 2025. With her precision setting and her lethal lefty swing at the net, Mikayla brings new energy to the court when she is out there. She keeps her swing well-protected and doesn’t give it away when she jumps and attacks the second ball. She is in total control over her court and looks amazing running her offense in a 5-1.
Aleena Zuniga Aleena Zuniga 5'8" | S Sharyland Pioneer | 2026 TX – Valley Venom 15
New name Aleena Zunega from South Texas is quickly gaining traction after having a very good start to the season. She is full of volleyball IQ and has great connections with her hitters. When she is not setting she gets in on the hitting action on the front row. I really like her discipline while setting and her strength, as she is able to place the ball all over the floor with ease. Aleena will definitely be on our watchlist as we move into the April qualifiers.
Harper Hall Harper Hall 5'8" | S Highland Park | 2024 State TX – TAV 17 Black
Harper Hall Harper Hall 5'8" | S Highland Park | 2024 State TX ‘s connection with her team TAV 17 Black is insane to watch in person. She seems to have an effortless connection with her middles, even from 9 feet off of the net. If you were at Sunshine Qualifier you got to witness the clinic she put on for everyone to see. Her jump set is one of my favorites to watch because of the smooth contact and release point.
Carly Thomas Carly Thomas 6'0" | S Kingwood | 2026 State TX – TAV Houston 15 Adidas
Carly Thomas Carly Thomas 6'0" | S Kingwood | 2026 State TX and team just secured the 15 USA bid over the weekend at the Sunshine Qualifier. Running a 5-1 for almost the entire weekend, we got to see her in action quite a bit. She is a smooth glider on the court with very soft hands. She is able to place the ball quickly in the hands of her middles in transition and that attributes to the team’s success. Carly also uses her size to her advantage, at 5’11 she is a lethal front-row attacker and has a sweet setter dump.