Get to Know the Winners of the Top Setter Poll

We created a free article that had a poll embedded in it asking who you thought the best pin hitter in the state was. Let's take a look at the top three finishers and get to know them a little bit better. We asked them two people they would like to thank, what makes them a good setter, advice to younger setters and their end goal for volleyball.   [player_tooltip player_id='301380' first='Olivia' last='Branum']- With nearly 19,000 votes the North Texas commit is the winner! She is one of the best setters in the state in not just our scouts eyes but clearly to the readers as well. She plays for Westmoore and Peak 17-1. Watch out for Westmoore and Branum as they look for another state berth.   Thanking Two People: "I'd like to thank my mom, Christa, for always being my biggest supporter. She's been driving me to practices and lessons since I was 10 and never stopped believing I could reach this level. I also want to thank Coach Huyen Nguyen for helping shape me into the setter I am today. She didn't just help me grow technically, she built up my confidence and leadership more than anyone."   What Makes You a Good Setter: "One of my strengths is getting to out of system balls quickly and giving my hitters the set they need. I really focus on knowing my hitters well and adjusting sets to what works best for them. I also try to stay calm no matter what's happening on the court and lead with steadiness."   Advice to Younger Setters: ”Be coachable and humble! Your job as a setter isn't to be flashy, it's to make your hitters look good. Learn your hitters, understand why plays work, and give full effort every single time you step on the court”   End Goal for Volleyball: "My goal is to get everything I possibly can out of the game. I want to constantly grow as a player, physically and mentally, and make memories with teammates and coaches that last forever."   [player_tooltip player_id='284930' first='Lilly' last='Boswell']- Lilly comes in 2nd place with over 5,000 total votes. She plays for Broken Arrow and TPV 17-1. Colleges should really find a way to come watch her play this school season. She will add immediate value to a lot of programs.   Thanking Two People: "Two people I would like to thank are my teammates and my coach Sheera Sirola. I'm deeply grateful for my teammates, whose unwavering support and encouragement constantly push me to improve, both as a player and as a person. Their dedication is a driving force in my journey towards being a better individual! Sheera is definitely the person I can thank for my love for volleyball, the countless hours of practice and workouts I have done with her by my side truly made me the athlete I am today. She has made me mentally tough and has been a coach for me since I was twelve years old. I'm incredibly thankful for her commitment to helping me become a better player!"   What Makes You a Good Setter: "I think the thing that makes me a good setter is I have not always been a setter, I started out my journey with volleyball as a middle blocker, then I moved to outside, then right side, and then to setter! I think my experience of playing every position has helped level up my IQ significantly! Understanding volleyball from all formats is a huge plus for my career. Another thing that makes me a good setter is that I'm dedicated to the game, no matter what I am gonna play as hard as I can for the people I am surrounded by. Volleyball is a team sport and if I'm not doing my job I feel like I am letting my team down."   Advice to Younger Setters: "Some advice I would give to younger setters in Oklahoma is to have fun with it, let your personality shine and don't let anyone take that away from you. Never take anything for granted and make sure you show up and show out! Just remember to keep going and never let one coach ruin your love for the game. Always remember your why, why did you want to play in the first place? Just because you have one rude teammate or coach, doesn't mean that defines you as a player!"   End Goal for Volleyball: "My ultimate end goal for volleyball in my career is to have fun and create new memories with new friends. Every game is a chance to compete, laugh, grow, and make unforgettable memories together on the court! I also just want to make my parents proud, they do so much for me and I would do anything to give back to them for all of their support over the last few years."   [player_tooltip player_id='741817' first='Bree' last='Hughes']- Bree Rounds at the top 3 with just under 5,000 votes. She is very talented setter for the homeschool program, OKC Storm. She also plays for Charge 17UA and that potent offense they have.   Thanking Two People: “I'm thankful for Joe Skinner for truly believing in me and bringing back my love for the game. I also want to thank my parents for all their time, sacrifices, and constant love and support.”   What Makes You a Good Setter: “I think my quickness, athleticism, and defense.”   Advice to Younger Setters: “To work hard and always be a great teammate.”   End Goal for Volleyball: “My ultimate goal is to use volleyball as a tool to glorify Jesus by playing for Him and loving like Him on and off the court.”

We created a free article that had a poll embedded in it asking who you thought the best pin hitter in the state was. Let's take a look at the top three finishers and get to know them a little bit better. We asked them two people they would like to thank, what makes them a good setter, advice to younger setters and their end goal for volleyball.