Triple Crown Setters: Who Controlled the Chaos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This article is made possible by PrepDig subscribers. Thank you! ~ You can join with 30% off using code: Coachable247</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaos shows up quickly in national-level competition. Long rallies. Momentum swings. Defensive adjustments mid-set. Emotional highs and lows that can derail a team in a matter of points. In those moments, the setter becomes the regulator. Tempo tightens or unravels based on their decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group distinguished itself through visible control. Well-timed back dumps that flipped scoring runs. Steady energy during rough patches. Assertive communication that immediately organized offensive flow. Composure after long days and physical adversity. College coaches notice when a setter simplifies the game under pressure, reads defensive structure, and manages rhythm rather than forcing it. At Triple Crown, control was not loud. It was intentional, steady, and match-shaping.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["584042"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69961d9236b7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='584042' first='Lauren' last='Kim'] approached Triple Crown with calculated aggression, choosing moments to score rather than forcing them. Her well-timed back dumps caught opponents off guard and generated valuable points in tight stretches. More importantly, she brought visible energy and confidence that helped her team shift momentum when matches tightened. The offensive flow felt intentional, not rushed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her next layer centers on service-line control. She is focused on increasing serve toughness while maintaining consistency, and as a team she is leaning into more aggressive net pressing based on tournament feedback. Kim has embraced doing her part in leading that defensive standard. Off the court, she has built steady momentum in her homemade chocolate business, managing consistent weekly orders and channeling that discipline into her volleyball journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='584042' first='Lauren' last='Kim'] will compete next at Red Rock Rave on March 14–17, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["852192"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69961d9236c2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='852192' first='Emily' last='Garrido'] demonstrated emotional leadership throughout the weekend, refusing to let score dictate energy. Whether trailing or ahead, she maintained belief and reinforced it verbally, helping stabilize her team's presence on the court. Her mindset allowed her to compete freely, which translated into confident decision-making in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her developmental focus is advanced for her class. Garrido is prioritizing tempo management based on opponent defensive strategy and refining gap consistency for her middles. That awareness of pace and spacing is critical as competition accelerates. Off the court, she values time spent with teammates and family, reinforcing connection and team culture.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='852192' first='Emily' last='Garrido'] will compete next at the Nike Boston National Qualifier on February 27, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391109"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699743de9c694"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='391109' first='Max' last='Pheasant'] managed match rhythm through consistent energy and visible effort. During rough patches, she supplied steady feedback and reinforced effort standards, helping her team avoid emotional swings. Her hustle set a tone that teammates mirrored, sustaining competitiveness across the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her growth focus is centered on maintaining even energy throughout an entire match, avoiding peaks and valleys. Coaching feedback around consistent emotional rhythm clearly resonated, and she is actively working to find the level that best supports team stability. Off the court, she balances competition with creativity through drawing, an outlet that supports focus and composure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391109' first='Max' last='Pheasant'] will compete next in Boston on March 6–8.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["943037"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699743de9c703"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='943037' first='Ryleigh' last='Sparks'] showcased assertive leadership from the moment she stepped on the court. She communicated immediately with hitters, organized offensive structure, and maintained a positive environment while delivering consistent sets. Her presence felt proactive rather than reactive, particularly in high-pressure stretches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her coaches have challenged her to elevate discipline through feet-to-ball efficiency, pressure consistency, and constant communication. Sparks is leaning into that accountability, strengthening the technical foundation behind her leadership voice. Off the court, she invests in developing younger athletes at her club, reinforcing fundamentals and building meaningful relationships that continue to grow her own patience and communication skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='943037' first='Ryleigh' last='Sparks'] will compete next at Sunshine Classic on February 27 through March 1.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758326"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699743de9c757"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='758326' first='Tess' last='Lombardi'] demonstrated composure and defensive stability across three demanding days of competition. Against elite opponents, she remained a calm, commanding presence, helping her team secure key wins through consistent decision-making and visible endurance. Her ability to stay steady deep into the weekend stood out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her next step is sharpening awareness of blocking and defensive systems to strengthen offensive deception. She is focused on reading structure more efficiently and making calculated decisions against disciplined teams. Off the court, Lombardi has elevated her academic standard to a 4.3 GPA this semester, reflecting the same discipline she applies to competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='758326' first='Tess' last='Lombardi'] will compete next at SCSN Event #3 on March 7.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["580636"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":947649,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699743de9c7be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='580636' first='Naima-Lene' last='Tilivala-Lewis'] embraced adversity while maintaining connection with her hitters throughout the weekend. After battling illness following Day 1, she continued to show up for her team and sustained offensive chemistry that had been built in practice. Her commitment to maintaining that rhythm under physical strain reflected competitive resilience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her growth focus is centered on simplifying decisions to maximize hitter efficiency. By staying simple in system, she aims to give attackers the highest percentage opportunities. Off the court, Tilivala-Lewis recently joined the Shark Stewards foundation, advocating for marine protection and environmental awareness, an indicator of leadership beyond the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='580636' first='Naima-Lene' last='Tilivala-Lewis'] will compete next at Nike JNQ in Boston from February 27 through March 1.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🔥 <strong>Players</strong><br>Use this article to grow. 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