Five Setters From The Class Of ’26 That Can Run The Show

Our last edition of positional breakdowns for the class of ’26 involves the most important position on the court. Here are five setters that can run a 5-1 at the open level that are worth watching develop this season.

Lexi Shondell Lexi Shondell 5'8" | S McCutcheon | 2026 State IN , 5-8, McCutcheon, Boiler Juniors

In short, Lexi makes the setting position look easy. For the record, it’s not. Her footwork to get to the ball is flawless, she has high and deceptive hands, and can locate any pass in a good tempo to the right hitter in any situation. Add to the fact that she comes from volleyball royalty here in Indiana, and you have the perfect package.

Sophia Gisslen Sophia Gisslen 5'9" | S Carroll | 2026 State IN , 5-9, Carroll, Team Pineapple

Sophia does all of the little things well. She takes the extra step to defend, she presses enough on the block to finish her blocks, she leads with positivity and energy—mostly, she’s a floor leader even more than she’s an exceptional 5-1 setter. She’s also the consummate winner. Carroll is a blue-blood program from the Fort Wayne area, and it feels like she’s always been in charge there. The same can be said for her club teams at TP.

Keira Dommer Keira Dommer 5'8" | S Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran | 2026 State IN , 5-8, Concordia Lutheran, Summit

More than capable of running the show on her own, Miss Dommer commands leadership from the setting position, and does it without all of the flash that some setters bring to the floor. She’s a workhorse, doing all of the unsung things that make her unique, including defending her position at an elite level as well as her constant hustle to get bad passes and make them better. Nearly 2000 assists into her high school career, she has a legitimate shot at an impressive career stat line: 4000 assists, 700 digs, 200 aces.

Maddie Carnes Maddie Carnes 5'11" | S Springs Valley | 2026 State IN , 5-11, Springs Valley, Union

Doing a little bit of everything in high school, Maddie should be a setting prospect for the next level of her career. She does, however, do all of the things she does well. She can attack in a pinch, has great court awareness, runs an offense to high efficiency and has a high volleyball IQ, like most players at Union.

Reese Blanchard Reese Blanchard 5'10" | S Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory | 2026 State IN , 5-9, Brebeuf, Munciana

High hands and high energy is what you get from Miss Blanchard. Her set location and situational awareness already has her ahead of many setters in her class, let alone her athletic traits. I like her ability to get to every ball quickly, set her feet, and deliver the perfect ball. It’s a very repeatable set of skills that will transition well into the collegiate game. As far as I’m concerned, she’s got the basics down, and everything from here to graduation is refinement.