Setters, Defenders, and Court Commanders

The 39th Annual Las Vegas Classic at the Las Vegas Convention Center once again lived up to its reputation, delivering elite-level competition and unforgettable performances. Featuring top-tier talent from across the United States—including teams from as far as Alaska and Hawaii—alongside elite international squads from Canada and Mexico, the tournament was a showcase of volleyball at its finest.   From the first serve to the final rally, athletes displayed power, precision, and resilience, turning each match into a battle of skill and strategy. With college coaches lining the courts, evaluating future prospects, standout performances did not go unnoticed. Athletes left lasting impressions that could play a pivotal role in shaping the next wave of collegiate talent.   Here are some of the players who made their mark:    [player_tooltip player_id='747749' first='Lauren' last='Kasubuchi'] is a dynamic and skilled setter who plays with confidence and composure. She possesses a natural feel for the game, demonstrating exceptional court awareness and the ability to distribute the ball with precision. Lauren's ability to deliver clean, well-timed sets ensures her hitters are in optimal positions to attack, making her a crucial facilitator in her team's offensive success.   What sets Lauren apart is her quick footwork and agility, allowing her to move efficiently and adjust seamlessly to imperfect passes. She remains composed under pressure, making smart decisions and keeping the offense fluid even in high-stakes situations. Whether executing a fast tempo set to the outside or a deceptive back set to catch the defense off guard, she maintains complete control of the game's pace.   Beyond her technical skills, Lauren brings strong leadership to the court. She communicates effectively with her teammates, keeping everyone engaged and in sync. Her ability to read the opposing defense and make strategic setting choices elevates the performance of those around her, proving her value as a floor general. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247       [player_tooltip player_id='747547' first='Syriana' last='Messy'] is a force to be reckoned with on the court, bringing a combination of power, precision, and leadership that makes her a standout player. Her aggressive style of play is evident in every aspect of her game, from her dominant presence at the net to her commanding serve that puts pressure on opponents.   As a blocker, Syriana is a game-changer. Her strong hands and disciplined technique allow her to read hitters effectively and shut down attacks with well-timed blocks. Her defensive instincts, paired with her quick reaction time, make her a reliable presence in both solo and team blocking situations.   Offensively, Syriana is just as impactful. Her longer approach generates explosive power, enabling her to put the ball away with authority. Whether attacking from the front row or finding smart angles to score, she has the ability to finish plays in high-pressure moments. Her court awareness allows her to adjust her shots, keeping defenders off balance and maximizing scoring opportunities.   Beyond her physical abilities, Syriana's communication skills and leadership help keep her team organized and in sync. She directs traffic on the court, ensuring that everyone is in position and ready for the next play. Her competitive spirit and vocal presence make her not only a strong player but also an inspiring teammate who lifts the energy of those around her. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='515153' first='Jaylin' last='Kim'] is a dynamic setter with exceptional court awareness and the ability to turn any pass into a quality scoring opportunity. She has a natural feel for the game, consistently positioning herself to make plays even in the toughest situations. Whether she's setting from a perfect pass or adjusting against momentum, Jaylin keeps her composure and delivers with precision.   Her hands are smooth, and her sets are consistently accurate, allowing her hitters to approach with confidence. She understands each hitter's strengths and adjusts her tempo to maximize their effectiveness, showcasing her high volleyball IQ and ability to run a fluid, unpredictable offense. Jaylin's ability to distribute the ball strategically keeps defenses guessing and ensures her team stays in control of the match.   Jaylin's ability to make the tough plays look effortless and her commitment to elevating her team's performance make her a setter to watch. College coaches looking for a smart, consistent, and composed playmaker should have Jaylin on their radar. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='742981' first='Kylee' last='Mark'] is a poised and confident setter who exudes composure under pressure, making her a steady presence on the court. Her ability to stay calm in fast-paced situations allows her to make smart decisions and execute plays with precision. Whether setting in-system or making adjustments on the fly, Kylee delivers with consistency, keeping her hitters in rhythm and her team's offense flowing smoothly.   Her solid footwork enables her to move efficiently and get into position, ensuring clean, well-placed sets regardless of the pass. Kylee's hands are soft yet controlled, allowing her to deliver quick, accurate balls that maximize her hitters' effectiveness. She understands the importance of tempo, adjusting her setting speed to match her team's needs and exploit defensive weaknesses.   Beyond her technical skills, Kylee is a vocal leader who keeps her teammates engaged and confident. She communicates effectively, directing the offense and maintaining a high level of organization on the court. Her ability to read the defense and make real-time adjustments showcases her high volleyball IQ and strategic mindset. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='748446' first='Lindsey' last='Stefanick'] is a relentless competitor who takes command of the court with confidence and determination. As a setter, she not only facilitates the offense but also elevates the energy and tempo of the game with her hustle and aggressive mindset. She moves with purpose, covering every inch of the court to ensure she's in the best possible position to deliver a precise and effective set.   What sets Lindsey apart is her ability to execute with a soft, controlled touch while maintaining the intensity needed to run a dynamic offense. She reads the game exceptionally well, making smart decisions that put her hitters in the best position to score. Whether she's setting a quick tempo ball, finding her middle in transition, or delivering a perfectly placed back set, Lindsey executes with precision and confidence.   Beyond her technical skill, Lindsey has a deep understanding of both her own game and the strengths of her teammates. She adjusts seamlessly to different situations, making split-second decisions that keep the offense unpredictable and effective. Her court awareness and ability to anticipate plays allow her to provide excellent coverage, ensuring that her team remains in control even in high-pressure moments.   Lindsey's combination of skill, leadership, and relentless hustle makes her a setter that next level programs can rely on. College coaches looking for a playmaker who takes ownership of the court and runs a fast, efficient offense should have Lindsey on their radar. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Olivia Poole is a dynamic middle hitter who brings a blend of speed, power, and precision to the court. Her ability to transition quickly from defense to offense makes her a key asset in both phases of the game. She runs a smooth, well-timed slide attack, using her strong fundamentals and explosive approach to put the ball away with authority. Her ability to adjust to different sets and find openings in the block showcases her high volleyball IQ and offensive versatility.   Defensively, Olivia is a force at the net, reading opposing hitters effectively and getting into position to deliver strong, disciplined blocks. Her quick reactions and well-timed presses over the net make it difficult for opponents to find clean swings. She moves fluidly along the net, closing blocks and providing a strong defensive presence that disrupts opposing offenses.   Beyond her technical skills, Olivia's energy and leadership elevate those around her. She plays with intensity and communicates effectively with her teammates, ensuring they stay connected and in sync. Her confidence and consistency make her a reliable presence on the court, and she thrives in high-pressure moments.   Olivia's combination of athleticism, skill, and competitive drive makes her a standout middle who will continue to develop into a top-tier player. College coaches looking for a middle hitter who can contribute on both sides of the ball should have Olivia Poole on their radar. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sierra Marlin</h2>   Sierra Marlin is a well-rounded player who thrives in both offensive and defensive situations. She has a keen ability to adjust to off-speed sets, ensuring that she remains a threat even when plays don't unfold as planned. Her disciplined footwork and solid defensive form allow her to maintain a strong passing platform, making her a dependable presence in serve receive and defensive coverage.   Offensively, Sierra's explosive approach and sound mechanics give her the ability to generate powerful, well-placed attacks. She reads the game exceptionally well, positioning herself strategically to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Whether executing a precise kill or delivering a smart off-speed shot, Sierra's versatility makes her a consistent contributor on the court. Her ability to adapt, combined with her high volleyball IQ and strong work ethic, makes her a key asset to any team looking for a well-rounded competitor. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and an inside look at the volleyball community you love.   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. A big thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.   This journey is made possible by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   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The 39th Annual Las Vegas Classic at the Las Vegas Convention Center once again lived up to its reputation, delivering elite-level competition and unforgettable performances. Featuring top-tier talent from across the United States—including teams from as far as Alaska and Hawaii—alongside elite international squads from Canada and Mexico, the tournament was a showcase of volleyball at its finest.