RANKED: CALLING THE SHOTS — Class of 2028 Setters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setters are officially taking center stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colorado's Class of 2028 is loaded with athletes who can do much more than simply put the ball where it needs to go. This group is learning how to control tempo, read defenses, manage pressure, and make decisions that can completely change the direction of a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is what makes evaluating setters so interesting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great setter has to understand the entire court. They need to know who is hot, where the block is leaning, when to speed up the offense, and when to slow everything down. On top of that, today's setters are expected to defend, block, attack, and stay involved long after the ball leaves their hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Class of 2028 group continues to bring plenty of those qualities to the table.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a closer look at three setters making their mark in the updated rankings!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 3, Catarina Harzbecker</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000204"],"_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-6a9db1205d101"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harzbecker remains near the top of this setter class because she brings much more than traditional setting ability to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her size immediately changes the way opposing teams have to defend. She can get up at the net, be a legitimate blocking presence, and become an offensive option when the opportunity is there. However, her ability to use those tools without disrupting the offense is what makes her so effective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has a strong feel for managing the match and does a nice job adjusting when things are not perfect. Whether the pass is on target or the offense needs to regroup, Harzbecker stays composed and finds ways to keep her hitters involved. She understands how to use tempo and spacing to create opportunities instead of forcing the same look repeatedly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are plenty of talented setters in this class, but Harzbecker's physical presence and versatility continue to separate her. She is not simply calling the shots offensively. She can impact the match in nearly every rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 12, Kennedy Schmidt</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759692"],"_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-6a9db1205d19e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmidt continues to show why she belongs firmly in the Class of 2028 setter conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She brings a competitive approach to the position and does a nice job staying connected to every part of the match. Her offense moves with purpose, and she understands the importance of giving hitters opportunities throughout the front row. Schmidt can recognize when an attacker is rolling and is willing to keep feeding the hot hand when the moment calls for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, she brings value after the set. She stays active defensively, works to extend rallies, and does not mentally step out of the play once the ball leaves her hands. That ability to contribute beyond setting is an important piece of her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmidt is also headed to Portland, adding another exciting chapter to her volleyball journey. The commitment reflects the work she has already put into her game, but there is still plenty of volleyball ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She remains a setter to watch closely as the Class of 2028 rankings continue to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 15, Avery Kreutzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008749"],"_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-6a9db1205d1f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kreutzer earns her spot in the Top 15 after continuing to show just how much she can impact a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has a willingness to stay involved beyond simply running the offense, and that was especially clear in a recent performance for Regis. Kreutzer finished the night with 32 assists while adding four kills and hitting .500, showing her ability to contribute when the opportunity presents itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her game has a natural competitiveness to it. She stays engaged, keeps the offense moving, and looks comfortable taking on responsibility when the match gets busy. Additionally, her ability to become an offensive threat adds another dimension that opposing teams have to account for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breaking into a talented Class of 2028 setter group is no easy task. However, Kreutzer continues to give us reasons to pay attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Calling the Shots</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter rankings are never just about assist totals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best players at the position understand how to manage an offense while also finding ways to impact the match everywhere else. They have to think quickly, make decisions under pressure, and earn the trust of every hitter around them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And with plenty more volleyball still ahead, this setter group is far from finished moving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball rankings, player features, recruiting content, and scouting coverage, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->