M2 and Ichiban Practice Report: Standout Setters

When clubs open their gyms to us, it tells you everything about who they are — generous programs that believe their athletes deserve to be seen up close, not from the outside looking in. And after spending time inside M2 and Ichiban practices last week, one thing became obvious:   Setters don't just run the offense. They expand the entire environment around them.   Their pace. Their communication. Their presence. It all makes the court feel bigger and more manageable for everyone else.   Here are five setters who showed exactly that in training.    Abby brings a different athletic background — basketball, soccer, and even rodeo — and you can see that versatility in how she moves. Her footwork is efficient, and she tracks the game with a wider lens than most. She's on her school's FCA leadership team and wants to study nursing, and that same service‑minded perspective was clear in how she supported teammates through each drill. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     Skylar has what coaches call “amazing hands” — soft release, controlled tempo, and an understanding of offensive spacing that feels natural. Every rep looked intentional. Off the court, she loves music and animals, and she's looking toward Florida or KSU for college. Her steadiness showed up in how quickly hitters relaxed when she was running the offense. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     Ellie is athletic, fast, and willing to try anything. Coaches called her a “go‑getter,” and she absolutely practiced like one — moving early, adjusting mid‑play, and staying aggressive in transition. She dances pointe ballet, plays soccer, and was named Player of the Tournament During State Finals for this years school season — the kind of multi‑sport foundation that makes her movements smooth and instinctive as a setter. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     A setter with a winning résumé — two‑time state champion — but she trains like someone still trying to earn the role. Her touches were consistent, she communicated early, and she kept hitters calm with steady tempo. She loves UGA football, is active in HOSA, and is exploring programs at West Georgia, Georgia Southern, and Valdosta. She approaches setting the same way she approaches her career goals: clear direction and quiet confidence. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast       Coaches highlighted her as a player who “goes for every ball” and has earned complete trust from her teammates. In practice, that showed up in her poise — clean footwork, steady contact, and decisions made without hesitation. Off the court, she's a viola player, academically dialed‑in, and drawn to STEM paths. The same precision she brings academically mirrors how she organizes the game. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast    Being inside these practices reminded us of something easy to forget — when athletes give their effort, energy, and trust to the sport, the whole space grows. Coverage grows. Opportunities grow. The community grows. These setters didn't just run their teams for a day. They showed why practice access matters — because seeing athletes work up close reveals who they really are.   Note to GA Athletes:   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>   Work hard, Play hard. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast