Top 250 Expo 2026 Setters
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Below are setters from the California Top 250 Expo in Gardena: Blair Gardiner Blair Gardiner 5'8" | S Santa Fe Christian | 2026 State CA | 5’8″ | 2026 | S | Santa Fe High SchoolA hustler that is also…
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Continue ReadingBelow are setters from the California Top 250 Expo in Gardena:
Blair Gardiner
Blair
Gardiner
5'8" | S
Santa Fe Christian | 2026
State
CA
| 5’8″ | 2026 | S | Santa Fe High School
A hustler that is also graceful in her movements is one way to describe the game of
Blair Gardiner
Blair
Gardiner
5'8" | S
Santa Fe Christian | 2026
State
CA
. Specifically, look for her in certain times when jump setting. When there is time, she stops all movement in the air and then goes and sets. This transfer, like anything in volleyball happens quickly. Additionally, Gardiner finishes her set unlike many setters and only found in few instances throughout setters historically. That mannerism to look for is a scissors kick when setting. Regardless of an opinion on it, the compartmentalization of both the upper and lower body parts into two separate movements at the same time is impressive. When moving to an out of system pass, she pivots well. Specifically, there looks like a commitment to make one set then a quick change of direction will position her body to make a different set. Lastly, she is comfortable, almost appears to be preferred, using her hands to dig.
Olivia Grovert | 5’11” | 2026 | S | Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Olivia Grovert is a setter that uses her legs slightly more than most to get the ball up in the air to a hitter. She would likely do well in a ‘set the ball as close to the ceiling as possible’ contest. She works and works to make the set no matter where that set is. Specifically, the pass may take her to the outside hitter sideline and off the net and she works to get it back to the rightside. This determination must be a contributing factor to a personality that leads her to be the first to cheer. Even in times of status quo, look for Grovert to find someone to high five. Her defense is something that complements a big block in the front row. Typically, bigger blocks will get more touches. So, her reaction unexpected touches that big blocks may often get by reaching is quick and decisive. Additionally, she keeps her arms out and reacts to an attack high on her body with both hands quickly.
Jordyn Scannell
Jordyn
Scannell
5'10" | RS
Santa Monica | 2026
State
CA
| 5’10” | 2026 | S | Santa Monica High School
The split step is something that
Jordyn Scannell
Jordyn
Scannell
5'10" | RS
Santa Monica | 2026
State
CA
does before she sets. Most often seen with a libero and occasionally with a hitter, this preparation move is something to look for before she sets. In no way does the slight preparation movement effect her setting either. Additionally, she runs a ball down well. Her hustle carries on beyond just running down a pass. She commands an assertive personality and will hit the ball to get to that second contact for her team. When contacting the ball, Scannell contacts in a medium to high contact point. If straight above her head is 12 o’clock on a analog clock, she is setting at perhaps as precisely as can possible be made with the analogy, 11:56. When she does go to chase ball mode, her hand contact does both a movement closer to and further from her forehead. Specifically, it is lower in the air and more distant from her body.
Reese Stringer
Reese
Stringer
5'11" | S
Mira Costa | 2026
State
CA
| 5’11” | 2026 | S | Mira Costa High School
The tight hands of
Reese Stringer
Reese
Stringer
5'11" | S
Mira Costa | 2026
State
CA
are a distinguishable trait of her setting. This includes all the way from her wrists to her fingertips. If contacted evenly, this creates a level of strength that minimizes spin on the ball. She does match that tightness with even distribution of both her right and her left hand when setting. This continues on no matter if the pass is to her or if she runs to set the ball. Her awareness is impressive too. Specifically, the few times she must side set she does break the consistency of even distribution with her outside arm pushing just a little bit more. When contacting the ball after her hands are ready, she has a low contact point. With this low contact point, a person may notice that sets on her side can and do go a little bit higher more often. An attacker is likely to appreciate that every now and then, especially during the out of system phase. Stringer pushes the ball with her shoulders and visually confirms the location all the way to the antenna. Off the ball, she appears to take a supportive role to keep action moving along.