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<p>The 15-Open division at AAU Nationals in Orlando, FL is packed with talent—but if you want to run with the best, it starts with the setter. These are the quarterbacks of the court, the tempo-setters, the decision-makers under pressure. The setters from the Class of 2028 may be young, but they are already stacked with volleyball IQ, court awareness, and leadership. Whether it's running a fast offense, delivering consistent location, or making smart reads in transition, these eight are proving they can command the court. From smooth jump sets to well-timed dumps, they're putting on a clinic—and college coaches should be watching. Let's take a look at the 8 high-level setters you need to know.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">If you're scouting setters with high-level feel and precision, [player_tooltip player_id='545494' first='Mary' last='Berran'] needs to be on your watch list. She commands the court with confidence, delivers crisp tempo sets in-system, and stays composed even when the play breaks down. Her location is consistent across all zones, and she's not afraid to push the pace with quicks, 1s, and shoot sets that keep the block guessing. Mary's ability to read the defense and adjust mid-rally shows her advanced IQ. If you get the chance—get to her court. This is a setter who elevates everyone around her.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='643692' first='Siri' last='Maciej'] is a setter who plays with poise and precision well beyond her years. She delivers clean, fast-paced sets that give her hitters the best chance to score, and she consistently finds seams in the block with smart ball placement. Siri has a strong court presence, communicates with confidence, and isn't afraid to run the offense aggressively with quicks, back sets, and well-timed dumps. Her footwork and transition speed keep her in rhythm, even in out-of-system situations. Make time to catch her court—Siri is the kind of setter that makes an offense hum.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='782132' first='Mikayla' last='Buchar'] is a dynamic setter who brings both consistency and creativity to the court. Her hands are smooth, and she delivers a hittable ball from every angle—whether it's a quick off a perfect pass or a deep push to the pins off the run. Mikayla runs a fast offense, reads blockers well, and keeps defenders on edge with her ability to mix in setter dumps and deceptive second-touch plays. Her energy is contagious, and she takes pride in setting tempo and leading her team with confidence. If you're looking for a setter who can take control of a match—get eyes on [player_tooltip player_id='782132' first='Mikayla' last='Buchar'].<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='643669' first='Elaine' last='(Laney) Stellmaker'] is a setter with high-level decision-making and a calm command of the court. She runs a balanced offense with great timing, consistently putting her hitters in position to score. Elaine excels at disguising her sets, keeping blockers guessing with her ability to move the ball around the net—quick 1s, clean back sets, and tight tempo balls to the pins. She's vocal, steady under pressure, and her connection with her middles is especially impressive. Make it a point to catch Elaine in action—she's a setter who makes the game look smooth and strategic.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Whitney Walen is a setter who brings grit, hustle, and precision to every play. Her footwork is fast, allowing her to get to tough passes and still deliver in-system sets that keep the offense flowing. Whitney has a strong feel for tempo—whether it's a quick to the middle or a well-placed ball to the outside, she knows how to keep blockers off balance. She's vocal, confident, and isn't afraid to take risks with smart setter dumps or running an aggressive pace. Whitney's leadership and ability to run a high-level offense make her a must-watch at Nationals.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Emma Brandt may be undersized, but don't let that fool you—her speed, court vision, and precision make her a standout setter. She gets to the ball quickly, even out-of-system, and delivers clean, fast-paced sets that keep hitters in rhythm. Emma isn't afraid to run a tempo offense or take control with a smart setter dump. Her quick decision-making and energy elevate her entire team. She's a fierce competitor and absolutely one to catch in action.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='721442' first='Anika' last='Schwartz'] is a dynamic setter with sharp instincts and a fast release. Standing at a great height for a setter her age, she runs a fluid offense with consistency, delivering hittable balls in perfect rhythm. Anika reads the defense well, confidently mixing quick sets to the middle, smooth back sets, and deceptive dumps when the moment calls for it. Her communication and leadership on the court truly stand out, and she plays with a poise beyond her years. Don't miss a chance to see Anika in action—she's the kind of setter who elevates everyone around her.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='579548' first='Veda' last='Weber'] is a setter who commands the court with precision and calm confidence. Her excellent height for a setter her age gives her a strong presence at the net, making her a dual threat with quick sets and the ability to block effectively. Veda's timing and court vision allow her to deliver crisp, well-placed sets that keep hitters off balance. She communicates clearly and leads her team with maturity beyond her years. Watching Veda in action is a must—her blend of skill and leadership makes her a true asset on the floor.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></h2>
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4>
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @</em></strong>prepdigdakotas</h4>
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The 15-Open division at AAU Nationals in Orlando, FL is packed with talent—but if you want to run with the best, it starts with the setter. These are the quarterbacks of the court, the tempo-setters, the decision-makers under pressure. The setters from the Class of 2028 may be young, but they are already stacked with volleyball IQ, court awareness, and leadership. Whether it's running a fast offense, delivering consistent location, or making smart reads in transition, these eight are proving they can command the court. From smooth jump sets to well-timed dumps, they're putting on a clinic—and college coaches should be watching. Let's take a look at the 8 high-level setters you need to know.
HEIGHT
5'9"
POS
S
CLASS
2028
State:
Minnesota
School:
Eagan
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HEIGHT
5'9"
POS
S/RS
CLASS
2028
State:
Minnesota
School:
Elk River
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HEIGHT
5'7"
POS
S/DS/L
CLASS
2028
State:
Minnesota
School:
Lakeville North
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HEIGHT
5'9"
POS
S/RS
CLASS
2028
State:
Minnesota
School:
Rochester Century
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HEIGHT
5'10"
POS
S
CLASS
2028
School:
Roseville
Club:
Minnesota Select
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HEIGHT
5'6"
POS
S
CLASS
2028
School:
Providence Academy
Club:
Minnesota Select
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
S/RS
CLASS
2028
State:
Wisconsin
School:
River Falls
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
S
CLASS
2028
State:
Minnesota
School:
East Ridge
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