BOTSE Live: Setters Running the Show Through the Storm

With weather shutting down large stretches of volleyball across Georgia the past two weeks, Beast of the Southeast feels like a release valve for teams itching to compete again. Long travel days, packed schedules, and unpredictable match flow put extra pressure on the setter position — and that's exactly why these athletes deserve recognition. The setters below stood out early at BOTSE for how they managed chaos, stayed composed, and kept their teams organized in a live‑event grind.    Brannon brought confidence and control to the floor at BOTSE. She did a nice job managing tempo and didn't force offense when the play wasn't there. You could see her reading the moment and trusting her decision‑making. She looks like someone teammates naturally rally around in tight stretches.       Smajlovic competed with edge and awareness throughout pool play. She stayed engaged in transition and didn't shy away from taking control when momentum shifted. Her communication helped keep her offense connected during longer rallies. The competitive presence stood out live.     Underwood showed maturity in how she handled pressure moments. She stayed calm when first contact wasn't perfect and continued to give her hitters workable opportunities. Her consistency helped limit chaos during extended sequences. She looked comfortable carrying responsibility on a big stage.     McPeake brought steady energy and focus to the setter role. She stayed locked in through long points and didn't drift when play slowed down. Her effort level and engagement were noticeable throughout rotations. That reliability is valuable in a weekend where legs and focus are constantly tested.     Johnson showed composure in a fast‑moving pool and didn't let momentum swings rush her decisions. She stayed vocal, kept her hitters involved, and managed tempo well as points extended. Even when matches got choppy, her body language stayed steady. That calm presence helped Metro stay organized through long stretches.      After weeks of missed opportunities due to weather, BOTSE is exactly the kind of environment that rewards preparation and mental toughness. These setters showed more than just technical ability — they brought leadership, composure, and a willingness to take ownership of the moment. In a tournament defined by long days and shifting momentum, they were key pieces in keeping their teams competitive.     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-prepdigga 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_prepdigga</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_prepdigga

With weather shutting down large stretches of volleyball across Georgia the past two weeks, Beast of the Southeast feels like a release valve for teams itching to compete again. Long travel days, packed schedules, and unpredictable match flow put extra pressure on the setter position — and that's exactly why these athletes deserve recognition. The setters below stood out early at BOTSE for how they managed chaos, stayed composed, and kept their teams organized in a live‑event grind.