Boys Volleyball Spotlight: SET your EYES on these SETters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are excited to bring you another Boys Volleyball Spotlight. With boys club season kicking off this weekend, it is the perfect time to showcase some of the state's most impactful players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the center of every team is the setter. Often called the “brains of the game,” setters dictate the tempo, make split-second decisions, and create opportunities for their teammates to soar. These are the setters we have been tracking, and the timing could not be better to watch them step into the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":890181,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Daniel Salas","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"TriCity Christian High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='429377' first='Coast' last='Volleyball Club']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d954dd156fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daniel Salas </strong> is a very talented young setter! He has made all of [program_tooltip program_id='429377' first='Coast' last='Volleyball Club']s 1's Teams for his age group! I had the privilege to watch and speak to Daniel. Watching him play showed how great of a teammate he is on and off the court and a GREAT setter! Daniel is making sure he is always trying to get extra reps. Watching his sets during the games are phenomenal, they are precise and always hittable for his hitters. He is also great at finding his hitters when running a fast play! Daniel's communication to his teammates is purposeful and direct. He is able to run the offense and also able to play amazing defense when the hitters come after him! He has an incredible Volleyball IQ when it comes to running his offense and seeing whats happening on the other side, which allows him to control the flow of the game! When I spoke to Daniel and asked him "What's the best thing about being a setter?" and his response was "The best thing for me would definitely be controlling the offense and the whole flow of the game." and thats exactly what he does on the court! Daniel has such high expectations for himself to make sure his team succeeds and progress to the next level! For a young setter like Daniel it is amazing to see a well balanced player! Watching Daniel seems like he was born to play this sport and be a setter.<br><br>During the past years the teams he has been on has made such HUGE accomplishments. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of his team's accomplishments: <br>-2022 USAV Nations 3rd place finish in Open Division and ALL Tournament Team<br>-2023 Finalists in SoCal Cup Showcase Open Division and All Tournament team<br>-2023 1st place finish in SoCal Cup Equinox Open Division and Tournament MVP<br>-2024 AAU Nationals All American Team, 5th place finish at AAU Nations Open Division<br>-2025 1st place Finish in SoCal Cup Showcase Open Division&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are tournaments that his Club Team will be attending this year:<br>Chi-Town Challenge 11/1 - 11/3<br>SoCal Winter Formal 12/12 - 12/14<br>Southwest Classic 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Daniel is now a Freshmen at TriCity Christian High School and playing club at [program_tooltip program_id='429377' first='Coast' last='Volleyball Club'] 16-1! Let's set our eyes on him and his team this season! We for sure will keep our eye on him during his volleyball journey!<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dos_vb2/">Daniel Salas</a> on Instagram<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":891526,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dane Schaefer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mira Costa High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MB Surf Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dad7a8e4e3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Dane Schaefer</strong> is a a great setter and a power house in the front row! Dane's coach runs a 6-2 with Dane setting in the back row and hitting in the front row, and a huge plus is he is a lefty! Dane also plays beach and sometimes his partner is his father at tournaments. Playing beach gives Dane the upper hand for indoor. Beach you have to always communicate, hustle, and have the IQ to succeed. When he is setting indoor he is an agile, smart and precise player. As a setter he is strong physically by pushing the ball out to the pins wherever he is on the court. When setting his middles he is really good at finding them. His IQ as a setter with making every ball a purposeful set is amazing. Dane also is very communicative on the court making sure his hitters know exactly what they are running in serve receive and in every rally. When you watch him on the court he has such a great attitude and high energy where it gets himself and his teammates to compete for every point. When it is his time to go front row he is a huge block and a huge asset on attacking! Being able to play setter and a hitter he is able to help the team in every way possible to succeed! Dane is a competitive player by nature! <br><br>I had time to speak to Dane and asked him "As a setter, what is your goal to help your team succeed?" and his response was "As a setter, I feel like it is my job to communicate with my hitters and make sure we are all on the same page. I am also constantly thinking about my matchups and working to get my hitters on solo blocks." I believe he executes this goal very well! <br><br>Here are some of his accomplishments for indoor:<br>-2025 AAU Nationals 15's Open MVP (while 14's eligible) as starting setter/oppo on National Championship MB Surf team<br>-2024 AAU Nationals 14's Open All-American<br>-3 x Tournament MVP<br>-10 x All-Tournament honors<br>-Indoor NTDP Athlete<br><br>Here are the tournaments he will be attending:<br>Chi-Town Boys Challenge 11/1 - 11/3<br>SoCal Cup Winter Formal 12/12 -1 2/14<br>Volleyball Southwest Classic 1/17 - 1/19<br>SoCal Cup The Showcase 6/19 - 6/21<br><br>Dane is a player you want to watch grow in his volleyball journey!<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daneschaefer_2029/">Dane Schaefer</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":891206,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bode Stent","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Saint Francis High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Bay to Bay Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dad7a8e4edc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Bode Stent</strong> is a quick, vocal, smart and aggressive setter! Bode has parents who played collegiate volleyball and it inspired him to play! Bode is hustler on the court, when there is a pass that is away from him you can count on Bode to get there and make a set and make it hittable for his hitter. Bode is always communicating on the court with perfect passes or passes that are off and letting his teammates know the next move! During serve receive he is telling his hitters the play to run while already observing whats on the other side. His IQ of what is happening on the other side is second nature to him. He doesn't make any blind decisions. Just like his decision his sets they are just as precise and he finds his hitters. When Bode is setting from the front row he is always ready to hit an overpass, block a tight ball, and even attack on 2! Bode has such an aggressive mindset that the other team just doesn't know his next move. <br><br>On and off the court Bode is always uplifting and positive to his teammates. He shows great character and leadership. He is always making sure the energy and mentality of the team is at a good state of mind. He is a When I got to speak to Bode I asked him "What is something you tell your teammates to keep the moral up?" and Bode replied "I like to tell my teammates to move on from mistakes and knowing that you can't lose a game in just one point. I also like to say keep are confidence in are self and believe that we are the best team in the gym." Any great leader and teammate is always there making sure his teammates understands that there are trails throughout the game and that can't define them and that is what Bode for sure shows that on the court!<br><br>Here are tournaments that his Club Team will be attending this year:<br>Chi-Town Challenge 11/1 - 11/3<br>SoCal Winter Formal 12/12 - 12/14<br>Southwest Classic 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Bode is a setter that you need to watch this season! <br><br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bodestent/">Bode Stent</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":891163,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Liam Bendriss","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"San Clemente High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='429318' first='A4' last='Volleyball Club']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dad7a8e4f5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Liam Bendriss</strong> is a setter that has played high school, club and for the U18 Norwegian Team! He has such great skill and IQ as a setter! He is a 5-1 setter for his team! When he is in the front row setting he aggressive in hitting the ball on 2, and blocking. Setting from the back row he play amazing defense and if he isn't digging a ball he is already ahead with the offensive plan for his hitters. Watching him set against the grain during certain plays, which leaves the hitter with a 1 on 1 or open net to be able to put the ball away! He is a very vocal setter in every way possible. He is always letting his hitters know what they're running in every situation, he is talks to individual teammates about what he sees, he is also accountable to himself when he makes an error. He is very quick with his decision making and quick to the ball to make sure he is able to set his hitters. Liam has a competitive energy that is very contagious to his teammates, bench, coaches and spectators! <br><br>Watching and being able to speak to Liam gave me great insight of who he is and who he is as a player. I asked Liam "What is something you tell your teammates to keep the moral up?" and Liam saying "I&nbsp;tell them that it's always okay to make a mistake because it's bound to happen, but it's not okay to keep making the same mistake over and over again and instead they should reflect and evolve beyond the person they were a minute before."<br><br>Here are some of his volleyball journey achievements:<br>-Played for the U18 Norwegian Team<br>-Taking 1st in Gold in Elite Division in US Nationals in 2025<br><br>This is a SETTER to for sure keep your eyes on! <br><br>These are the tournaments he will be attending:<br>SoCal Winter Formal 12/12 - 12/14<br>West Coast BJNQ 1/2-1/4<br>Southwest Classic 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Follow<a href="https://www.instagram.com/liambvolley/"> Liam Bendriss</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":891529,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dayne Kim","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Trabuco Hills High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"OCVC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dd5d1c568d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Dayne Kim</strong> let's talk about how technical, accurate and consistent his sets are! He has such amazing technical skill and you know that his sets will always be right! He makes quick movements to the ball to make sure his technical skill he learned as a setter doesn't get compromised. Having great technical skill as a setter, you know that his sets will be consistent. His hitters trust and know he will put the ball at the same location no matter where he is on the court! Having such accurate sets is such a huge advantage to his team! One thing that every team needs is an accurate and consistent setter! Dayne makes that happen by making sure he is always getting extra reps and working hard at practice with him team. His other advantage to make this all happen is actively communicating to his teammates about everything on and off the court. He shows great leadership on the court and high positive energy and even more when they execute his set! He is just a great player always making sure he is giving positive feedback and positive encouragement at all times!<br><br>I had the privilege to speak to Dayne and asked him "As setter being an important role for your team what is your goal to succeed?" and Dayne responded "My goal to succeed as a setter is to be the leader of the team and to uplift and encourage my teammates during games or even off the court. Also, to show life during rough times throughout play, and also communicating clearly with my teammates about plays or strategic decisions." When you watch Dayne play you will see he living and playing up to his word!<br><br>These are some of his volleyball achievements:<br>-Silver Medal in the 14s Open Division at the 2022 Chi-Town Boys Challenge<br>-Bronze Medal in the 14s Open Division at the 2023 SoCal Cup Showcase<br>-Bronze Medal in the 15s Open Division at the 2023 SoCal Cup Winter Formal<br>-Bronze Medal in the 15s Open Division at the 2024 Boys Junior National Volleyball Championships<br><br><br>Make sure to watch Dayne this season!<br><br>Here are the tournaments his team will be attending: <br>SouthWest Boys Classic National Qualifier 1/17 - 1/19<br>SoCal Cup The Showcase 6/19 - 6/21<br>AAU National Championships - June 2026<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dayne.kim11/">Dayne Kim</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're excited to continue showcasing boys volleyball talent across California. Who are the players in your area that deserve the spotlight next? Tag <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/17842085082583433/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CoachPatrickv</a></strong> on social media or drop us a message—we'd love to hear your suggestions!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":885470,"width":"125px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/image_cf4e03.png" alt="" class="wp-image-885470" style="width:125px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>✨ <strong>Help a player get discovered </strong>— share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770394,"width":"98px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong>prospect index</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>🔥 <strong>Players</strong> — Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to go further? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📣 <strong>Club Coaches &amp; Directors</strong> — Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them loudly. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility is everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🎯 <strong>College Coaches</strong> — Follow these athletes and evaluate them as potential fits for your program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🙏 <strong>Parents &amp; Supporters</strong> — Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>~ Patrick Villanueva @CoachPatrickv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->