Holiday Kickoff Coverage: Smooth Setters

Good setters are hard to find. But, there was no lack of them at the Holiday Kickoff tournament this weekend at the [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] facility. Good control, systematic ball reversal, and overall aggressive play from many of the setters on the courts. It's not uncommon to hear that this position is one of the most difficult, but these girls made it look effortless. So let's dive in to some of the class of 26/27 setters that stood out this past weekend.    [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] setter [player_tooltip player_id='318133' first='Jordan' last='Turner'] had an outstanding weekend, showcasing her ability to connect seamlessly with her hitters while keeping opposing defenses constantly on their toes. Whether she was threading quick sets to the middles or delivering flawless reversals to the right side, Jordan consistently set the tempo of each rally and controlled the flow of the offense. Her court awareness and decision-making elevated the entire team's attack. Beyond her technical skill, Jordan's energy and presence—during live play or even dead balls—make her an absolute joy to watch on the court.     2026 setter [player_tooltip player_id='253982' first='Audrey' last='Atchley'] made an immediate impact for Dig 18 Blue, helping her team jump out in front during the first set with strong, effective serving. She backed up that pressure with beautiful hands, delivering flawless, consistent sets that allowed her hitters to stay in rhythm and attack with confidence. Audrey's poise and precision stood out throughout the match, reflecting a deep understanding of the game. She is clearly a player who has dedicated significant time to honing her craft, and it shows in every touch of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='579992' first='Atihana' last='Abadan'], a Setter/Right Side for Dallas Premier 18 Crimson, brings a rare blend of finesse and fire to the court. Her clean sets leave her hands with a seamless float, creating ideal opportunities for her hitters, but her graceful touch should never be mistaken for passive play. Atihana competes with aggression and confidence, making her a true force across the net. The right side of the court is hers to own—whether she's setting the offense or terminating swings, she consistently puts pressure on opponents and elevates her team's performance.     Emma Martinez, setter for Dallas Premier 18 Black, the queen of ball reversal at the Holiday Kickoff! Her ability to move the ball effortlessly and keep blockers constantly guessing has earned her respect on the court. She runs a dynamic offense, distributing with purpose and precision to create advantages for her hitters on every possession. Emma's court vision and tempo control make opposing defenses stay on their toes, never able to settle into a rhythm. She is without a doubt the kind of setter any team would want running their offense.     Jaxey Walker, setter for Tejas 18 Black, brings discipline, effort, and control to every play she runs. She is exceptional at getting her feet to the ball, working tirelessly to ensure she can get her hands on every set, no matter the situation. Jaxey's hustle shines during out-of-system plays, where her composure and determination keep the offense organized and effective. By consistently controlling the tempo on the offensive side, she provides stability and confidence for her hitters and serves as a steady leader on the court.

Good setters are hard to find. But, there was no lack of them at the Holiday Kickoff tournament this weekend at the Madfrog facility. Good control, systematic ball reversal, and overall aggressive play from many of the setters on the courts. It's not uncommon to hear that this position is one of the most difficult, but these girls made it look effortless. So let's dive in to some of the class of 26/27 setters that stood out this past weekend.