SoCal UpNext Setter Top Performers: Running the Show

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/subscribe">Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: Coachable247 to read about the Top Performers at the SoCal UpNext Showcase</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A setter controls the tempo of a match before a single kill is ever recorded, and the best ones do it with poise even when the pass is not perfect. At the SoCal UpNext Showcase in Irvine, CA, a group of setters showed exactly that kind of control. These are the Setter Top Performers from the UpNext Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1015034"],"_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-6a971e2821226"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Varnika Kuchibhotla earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Varnika Kuchibhotla sets with clean hands and runs her offense with poise, delivering the ball to whichever hitter gives her team the best chance to score. Her serve stays consistent with great placement, and she communicates well with her hitters, which keeps her offense organized possession after possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1016913"],"_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-6a971e2821255"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olivia Riola earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia Riola sets with quiet, controlled hands and does not rush her decisions. She stays patient at the net, reading the play before she commits to a set rather than forcing a look that is not there. That patience is a mark of a setter who trusts her own timing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["788797"],"_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-6a971e2821275"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaloni Moala earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaloni Moala sets with good hands and hustles after every ball, refusing to let a tough dig go to waste. She stays vocal throughout the match, directing her offense with confidence, and she brings a strong serve that adds pressure on the other side of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756619"],"_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-6a971e2821294"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sahej Ahluwalia earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sahej Ahluwalia moves well around the court, which lets her get to a variety of passes and still deliver a quality set. She shows good location on her sets, placing the ball where her hitters can attack with the most options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["878753"],"_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-6a971e28212b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emma Kerdiles earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emma Kerdiles puts effort into every single ball, treating each play as one worth chasing down. She encourages her teammates constantly and directs traffic at the net, which keeps her team organized even in broken plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["965763"],"_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-6a971e28212cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Estelle Plache earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estelle Plache brings real versatility to her offense, mixing in dump attempts to keep the opposing block honest rather than setting predictably every time. She plays with strong overall athleticism, which gives her more ways to attack out of a broken play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992549"],"_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-6a971e28212e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ella Liu earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ella Liu stays consistent on her serve and shows good setting location, placing the ball where her hitters can be most effective. She understands where she needs to cover on defense, which shows a setter who thinks about her role beyond just running the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🔥 Athletes</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A setter's impact is measured in decisions, not just kills, and the habits behind good decision-making (clean hands, patience, communication, court coverage) are exactly what evaluators are trained to notice. These seven setters are proof that running an offense with poise gets seen. PrepDig gives you three ways to build on that visibility: showcases like UpNext put you in front of real evaluators outside of regular season play, our social media turns performances like these into content coaches and clubs actually see, and our articles start building your name around the habits that matter most at the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">📣 Club Coaches &amp; Directors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setters carry a different kind of pressure than any other position, and the athletes on this list show what it looks like when hand technique, decision-making, and communication are being coached well. Showcases like UpNext give your setters a chance to be evaluated specifically for those habits, outside of pool play pressure. PrepDig works as an extension of your program at every position, whether that means getting your setters seen or building recognition for the players who run your offense. Keep your club updated with the <a href="https://prepdig.com/california/clubs/club-programs/">California Club Program Database</a> and stay connected to every opportunity we create for exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🎯 College Coaches</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group represents setters whose ball placement, decision-making, and court awareness stood out at the SoCal UpNext Showcase. PrepDig exists to make long-range evaluation easier, combining live scouted events, consistent coverage, and detailed athlete profiles so you can track the setters who control tempo before they show up on your radar organically. <a href="https://prepdig.com/college-subscribe/">Use a Premium College Subscription</a> to start building a book on this class as their games continue to evolve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🙏 Parents &amp; Supporters</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A setter's value often gets measured in assists, but the coaches evaluating your daughter's game know it comes down to decision-making under pressure. PrepDig helps you understand that value through events that put her in front of real evaluators and articles that tell her story as a leader on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong><br>Access exclusive rankings, deeper analysis, and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepdig.com/events" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/events">N<strong>eed More Exposure? Attend a PrepDig Showcase</strong></a></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Use Code: MichelleBamford10 for $10 off on all Showcases</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our showcases are designed for athletes who want to take ownership of their recruiting journey and better understand how visibility, evaluation, and opportunity work together. These events offer more than competition. They provide athletes with a chance to learn how exposure works, compete in front of evaluators, build confidence, and gain valuable insight into what coaches are looking for at each stage of development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether your goal is to improve communication, showcase your skills, earn recognition, receive meaningful evaluation, or simply learn how to stand out in a competitive environment, each showcase is built to help athletes grow both on and off the court. If you're ready to invest in your development, tell your story, and put yourself on the radar, <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase" id="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase"><strong>registration is open</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1014117,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2436/register/prep-dig-vegas-showcase"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image_d44281.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1014117"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1023459,"width":"355px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7607768620605846","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2508/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-norcal"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image_d759b6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1023459" style="aspect-ratio:0.7607768620605846;width:355px;height:auto"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1023460,"width":"362px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.738161635305266","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2509/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-socal"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image_784f29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1023460" style="aspect-ratio:0.738161635305266;width:362px;height:auto"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>~ Michelle Bamford</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->