Setters to Watch This High School Season

As the new high school volleyball season approaches, some setters are more than ready. They are prepared to run the offense with precision, control the tempo, and guide their teams toward the highest goals. This group of upperclassmen has spent the offseason sharpening their decision-making, strengthening connections with hitters, and embracing the responsibility that comes with quarterbacking the court. In matches, they are vocal leaders and strategic playmakers, keeping their teams calm under pressure while creating scoring opportunities. Off the court, they bring a steady presence that keeps teammates united, confident, and focused. College coaches will want to keep a close eye on these setters as they step into a season where they are not only competing, but leading.    [player_tooltip player_id='782347' first='Grace' last='Mathes'], Setter at Mira Costa High School, sees her role as more than just running the offense. “My role on the court is to always lift up my teammates, I think that is the main rule of being a setter,” she shared. She does this through constant encouragement and keeping the team's energy positive. In high-pressure moments, she stays calm and relies on her training, reminding herself to take deep breaths to stay composed.   This season, Grace has focused on keeping her arm draw consistent when setting, knowing that detail will lead to more accurate and reliable sets. Off the court, she's described as funny, caring, and happy, with a strong commitment to communication both with coaches and teammates. Before focusing solely on volleyball, Grace played competitive club lacrosse until her mom, a former Boston College volleyball player, encouraged her to commit to the sport she now loves most. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='529121' first='Evelyn' last='Chu'], Setter at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, is a composed, team-first competitor who takes pride in running an efficient offense. “As the setter, I try to put the hitters on my team in the best position possible to score,” she explained. Whether she's blocking at the net, digging in a 6-2 system, or jump setting in transition, Evelyn plays with a clear focus on connection and communication. “I talk with my teammates about where they want their set so we can be successful in scoring points as a team.”   She approaches high-pressure moments with belief and grit. “I always believe in myself and my team no matter what,” she shared. When the stakes rise, Evelyn leans on her experience, deep breathing, and the ability to block out distractions to stay locked in.   She's been committed to improving her blocking technique, setter dumps, and jump setting, while also building strength and refining her defensive game. Coaches and teammates describe her as kind, fun, and hardworking. She brings energy and focus to every match, cheers from the sidelines, and is often seen at TStreet putting in extra reps. Off the court, she volunteers at her local church every Saturday morning, showing the same consistency and character she brings to the game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='577303' first='Rhys' last='Jimenez'], Setter at Pomona Catholic High School, leads by example with a high motor, strong communication, and a no-blame mentality. “My role on the court is to lead the team by example, hustling to every ball I can, and holding each player on the court accountable,” she shared. She relies on positive reinforcement, active communication, and consistent use of teammates' names to build connection and trust.   In high-pressure moments, Rhys focuses on what she can control. With a calm routine, deep breathing, and attention to detail, she stays composed and delivers when it matters. “Doing this has helped me win games by an ace or an accurate set to a playmaker,” she said.   Coaches describe Rhys as competitive, adaptable, and highly communicative. She brings a strong family atmosphere to team culture, getting to know each player and supporting them on and off the court. Outside of volleyball, she loves singing karaoke with her friends at family parties. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='492684' first='Samantha' last='Capinpin'], Setter at Mater Dei High School, brings strong communication and positive energy to the court. Her role centers around connecting with her hitters and choosing the right plays to execute. “I can elevate by positive energy and being a good communicator,” she shared. In high-pressure situations, Samantha stays focused on her role and visualizes the outcome she wants. “Be calm, visualize your goal,” she said.   She's been working on her decision-making under pressure, specifically learning to identify the right hitter to set in tight situations. Samantha is known by teammates as supportive and uplifting, always working to keep the team's energy high. “I bring a sense of humor and try to make sure everyone's energy is high,” she said.   Off the court, she loves to hike and visit national parks, bringing that same curiosity and spirit of adventure into everything she does. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='779772' first='Isabella' last='Aguilar'], Setter at Chino Hills High School, leads with purpose and composure. “If I were to describe my role on the court, it would be a leader and a hard worker,” she shared. Bella understands the importance of communication and game planning, emphasizing the need to stay in sync with her hitters and know what kind of pass is needed to run the offense effectively.   Her mindset in high-pressure moments is centered on control. This approach helps her remain calm and focused no matter the score. This season, Bella has made consistency a top priority, especially in her setting, and she has worked hard to improve that aspect of her game.   Off the court, Bella is described as emotionally steady, positive, and uplifting. She brings energy to the team, hypes others up when needed, and keeps the atmosphere light through conversation and humor. She's cheerful, observant, and known for her honesty and supportiveness. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='749980' first='Hazel' last='Gilmer'], Setter and Opposite at Santa Fe Christian High School, is a natural encourager and leader on the court. She feels she gives 100 percent effort at all times and makes it a priority to uplift teammates, especially when someone is struggling or stuck in their own head. “I make sure not to let my teammates down, and I always encourage others to stay focused and confident,” she shared.   In high-pressure situations, Hazel stays calm and trusts her ability. “There's nothing to lose. I can do more than I think I can.” That mindset allows her to play with confidence and clarity, helping both her performance and her presence as a teammate.   This season, Hazel has focused on improving her speed and agility so she can reach the net faster, set a quicker offense, and cover more ground on defense. Off the court, she is described as loving, passionate, encouraging, and focused. 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As the new high school volleyball season approaches, some setters are more than ready. They are prepared to run the offense with precision, control the tempo, and guide their teams toward the highest goals. This group of upperclassmen has spent the offseason sharpening their decision-making, strengthening connections with hitters, and embracing the responsibility that comes with quarterbacking the court. In matches, they are vocal leaders and strategic playmakers, keeping their teams calm under pressure while creating scoring opportunities. Off the court, they bring a steady presence that keeps teammates united, confident, and focused. College coaches will want to keep a close eye on these setters as they step into a season where they are not only competing, but leading.