Nebraska’s Qualifier Stock Risers: 2026 Setters
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Get some early eyes on this group. It’s a good one. Our retrospective look at Nebraska’s qualifier standouts has examined 2026 pin hitters, 2025 middle blockers, and uncommitted 2024s. We’re now returning to the 2026s to discuss a position that…
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Continue ReadingGet some early eyes on this group. It’s a good one.
Our retrospective look at Nebraska’s qualifier standouts has examined 2026 pin hitters, 2025 middle blockers, and uncommitted 2024s. We’re now returning to the 2026s to discuss a position that has really started to take shape over the past several weeks: 2026 setters.
So, like before, here are a few players who shined in the qualifier spotlight and put their names in the conversation among Nebraska’s up-and-coming 2026s.
Emery has already given us a lot to think about. I remember watching her as a breakout freshman at the Harvest Festival Invite in Gothenburg. Now, Emery is playing up an age group for Nebraska Pride Gold 16s, a team that features a couple of her Minden teammates. Whether it’s her smooth setting or her assertive attacking as a frontcourt opposite, Emery finds a way to succeed in any way possible.
Highlights
This was a qualifier stretch to remember for Faust and Premier 15 Black. Faust soared into the spotlight as 15 Black battled all the way to the NLQ championship in 15 USA and locked up a Nationals bid with that breakthrough. It was hard not to notice the precision and leadership qualities Faust brought to the team’s versatile lineup, and 15 Black has made some ventures in Open-level competition since then.
Can’t have one without the other! Sebree stood alongside Faust as a major contributor to 15 Black’s two-headed monster at setter. It’s a testament to the team’s consistency and adaptability, and it also shows Sebree’s ability to make some big plays immediately after subbing into the backcourt. No matter which setter 15 Black has in the lineup, this is a squad capable of swiping a Nationals crown this summer.
Highlights
On to River City Jrs! 15 Navy has been garnering some accolades lately, and Dutcher has made her own mark while running the offense at setter. She can mix tempos well while still locating the ball with great consistency, allowing 15 Navy’s talented frontcourt to flourish. The Show Me Qualifier marked a major breakthrough for Dutcher and 15 Navy as a whole.
We now visit the Nebraska Elite gym for another setter that’s quickly surging up the leaderboard. Bartholet has shown a wide array of skills while competing with 15 Prime, including the aggressiveness to be an attacking threat in every rotation. 15 Prime has some serious depth at the setter position, and it’s only growing further with Bartholet having a standout qualifier run.
Not many of Nebraska’s 2026 setters had a more successful freshman debut than Hengelfelt. She was instrumental in guiding Cross County to the state tournament last fall, and now Hengelfelt is showing off her multi-faceted skill set with Nebraska ONE 15 Black. Look for Hengelfelt to be a go-to right-side attacker for Nebraska ONE in addition to her setting out of the back row.
Highlights
Pearson’s stellar setting helps demonstrate the depth that VCNebraska has at this position. The Lincoln Southwest product has a knack for keeping her hitters in rhythm on a variety of passes, meaning that 15 Black can still terminate when Pearson is drifting off the net. As we keep an eye on the upcoming Great Plains Bid Tournament, make sure this setter is on your radar.
Highlights
Wattier recently garnered a shoutout here for her work with Nebraska Juniors 15 Black. Her qualifier success comes after an appearance in last fall’s Class D1 state championship match as a freshman. This small-town standout is already racking up an impressive list of accolades, and she’s only just getting started.
Highlights
Get ready to watch Eckman churn out big-time plays for years to come. She’s been a steady leader for VCNebraska 15 Elite this season, and that experience ought to pay off when she eventually battles to take the reins at Lincoln Southwest. We’re ready to follow all of these storylines as Eckman continues to elevate her stock in 2023.
Highlights
As we’ve mentioned before, Booth is carrying on the family tradition of quality setting with Premier Nebraska. Better yet, her team will have a chance to exhibit its prowess on the biggest stage possible with 15 Gold securing an Open bid at Show Me. Booth played a major part in that triumph, and that will remain the case heading into Nationals.