Quarterbacks of the Court: Setters Who Steered Their Teams

The setter is often described as the “quarterback” of volleyball — directing the flow of play, making split-second decisions, and elevating the hitters around them. This group of players showcased those traits all season long, blending leadership with skill to keep their teams in rhythm. As the high school season ends and the club circuit ramps up, these setters and hybrid playmakers have positioned themselves as names to watch in the coming year.    Carrigan stepped up confidently as a sophomore, taking the reins of Valwood's offense. She showed composure in fast rallies, keeping her hitters in rhythm with quick decisions. The club season will be a pivotal stretch for her, offering opportunities to refine her deception, polish her ball placement, and elevate her presence as a leader on the floor. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Valerie is still developing her game, but her instincts are already impressive. She contributed both as a right-side hitter and in the setting role, providing lineup balance that gave St. Andrew's flexibility. With the club season ahead, her focus on expanding her attacking toolbox and sharpening her set tempo could vault her into a breakout junior year. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Grace brought creativity to St. Andrew's rotations, seamlessly switching between setting and attacking roles. Her adaptability allowed her team to adjust to opponents while staying competitive in tough matches. With another year ahead, she's primed to polish both her decision-making and offensive range, potentially becoming one of the most dynamic multipurpose players in the region. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Margalida was a rare dual-threat for Tallulah Falls, equally dangerous running the offense as she was attacking from the right side. That versatility forced opponents to prepare for her in multiple ways, making her invaluable to the lineup. Though her high school career closes here, her impact as a two-way player has set a high standard for what versatility looks like at this level. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Cara's steady hands and leadership made her the heart of TKA's offense. She had a knack for involving every hitter, spreading the ball smartly to keep defenses guessing. Beyond her technical ability, her voice and composure set the tone on the court. With her graduation, TKA loses more than a setter — they lose a true floor general whose example will influence the next wave of leaders. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Anna ran Pacelli's offense with remarkable poise. Her ability to change tempo mid-rally and adapt to broken plays gave her hitters confidence in every situation. She was the kind of setter who raised the level of everyone around her. As she moves forward, Anna's blend of vision and reliability will remain a benchmark for setters coming up through the program. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    Setters don't always fill the stat sheet, but their fingerprints are all over every play. This group demonstrated the rare ability to lead, adapt, and deliver under pressure. As they transition into club play and, for the seniors, prepare for what comes next, their growth will continue to be fascinating to follow. The future of their teams — and for some, their volleyball careers — will be shaped by how they build on the skills they displayed this season.   Note to GA Athletes: If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following<a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"> BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast

The setter is often described as the “quarterback” of volleyball — directing the flow of play, making split-second decisions, and elevating the hitters around them. This group of players showcased those traits all season long, blending leadership with skill to keep their teams in rhythm. As the high school season ends and the club circuit ramps up, these setters and hybrid playmakers have positioned themselves as names to watch in the coming year.