NT Regionals Playmakers

<p>Any true lover of volleyball knows a good play starts with a good pass, and what makes it a great play, is when it turns into a kill. The 2026 Regional Championships, were filled with great, well executed plays that made for some fun volleyball. It's only right that I recognize those who start and finish such plays. For this round we're talking about hustling defenders and killer middles! Up next, Lonestar region players to see. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NT Setters To See</h2>   <p>If you missed last drop, go read up on the setters that changed the game at regionals in North Texas! </p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/?p=988595">https://prepdig.com/2026/05/nt-regional-standout-setters/↗</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DS/Lib Playmakers </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brooklyn Ross, DS/L for 360 17 HP, is the kind of defender every team loves to have on the floor because she simply does not stop moving. Her discipline in coverage and constant readiness allow her to keep rallies alive and extend points that seem over. She plays with urgency but stays under control, showing great awareness and effort in every phase of defense. What stands out most is the energy she brings to the court — her hustle is contagious, and her teammates clearly feed off the confidence and motivation she provides behind her passing and defensive presence.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kate Cuppett, DS/L for TAV 17 Black, is a true fundamental defender who takes pride in perfecting the pass. Everything that comes off her platform is clean, controlled, and consistently playable, giving her team a steady foundation in serve receive and defense. She does an excellent job of staying connected to the play after the initial contact, quickly transitioning into coverage and continuing to work for every point. Her motor never slows down, as she takes no breaks on the court and maintains the same level of discipline and focus from start to finish. Kate's reliability and attention to detail make her a dependable presence in the back row.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Corinne Wiley, DS/L for Madfrog 17N Black, is a defender who immediately stands out in ways you may not expect. With her size and length, she is able to cover an impressive amount of ground defensively, making it extremely difficult for opponents to find open space behind the attack line. She moves fluidly, reads the court with precision, and consistently puts herself in the right position to make plays. Corinne also shows confidence in stepping in to take the second ball when needed, helping keep her team in system during chaotic moments. Beyond her individual defense, she is constantly working into coverage to support her hitters, showing a complete understanding of the game and a willingness to do the little things that help her team succeed.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MB Playmakers </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kaitlyn Polley, MB for 360 17 HP, is a commanding presence at the net who is determined to impact every play. Whether she is closing the block to shut down hitters, drawing defenders with her offensive presence, or putting a ball away with authority, Kaitlyn consistently finds ways to make herself a factor. She plays with purpose and energy, constantly staying engaged and ready for the next touch. Her ability to influence both sides of the ball makes her a valuable piece in the middle, and her competitive mindset shows in the way she attacks every rally with confidence and intensity.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Toree Rayford, MB for TAV 17 Black, is a versatile force on the court who makes her presence known from the very first ball. She impacts the game in every phase — serving aggressively, attacking with confidence, and establishing herself as a strong blocker at the net. Toree plays with a relentless mentality, staying aggressive throughout rallies and consistently making herself available offensively, which earns the trust of her setter time and time again. Her energy and ability to contribute in multiple ways make her impossible to overlook, as she constantly finds ways to influence the momentum of the match. This is the type of player you cannot lose track of on the court.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Auburn Sheppard, MB for UEPA 17D, is a player who is determined to make a play no matter where the ball is on the court. Her volleyball IQ stands out in the way she reads the defense and makes smart decisions offensively, consistently executing the right play instead of forcing opportunities. Auburn stays aggressive while maintaining strong discipline on the defensive side, allowing her to establish herself as a true force at the net. She tracks hitters well, closes blocks effectively, and constantly finds ways to disrupt opposing offenses. Her relentless mentality and understanding of the game make her a blocking machine and a dependable presence in every rotation.</p>

Any true lover of volleyball knows a good play starts with a good pass, and what makes it a great play, is when it turns into a kill. The 2026 Regional Championships, were filled with great, well executed plays that made for some fun volleyball. It's only right that I recognize those who start and finish such plays. For this round we're talking about hustling defenders and killer middles! Up next, Lonestar region players to see.