Top Ten Setters for Class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have finished with the pins and bros. Now we take a look at the setters. These players are the quarterback of the team. Only take charge personalities need apply. An ideal setter also requires a little bit of creativity. Running the same play over and over again will get noticed, especially at the higher levels. I remember one of my hitters always wanted to hit the back one when he played right side. That got as predictable as a Hollywood movie. Setters need to change it up to always keep the defense guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are my top ten setters from the class of 2026. It gets tougher to survive at this position the higher the level you rise. The offenses need to get more complex to create a winning program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238357"],"_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_0_evaluation":"I can remember when she first showed up at a clinic as a 13 year old.  Because of her height many wanted to make her a middle.  I liked her movement on the court and her athleticism.  I preferred her as a setter.  Four years later she now sets for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 17, the second ranked team in the region.  She also has a class 6 high school Virginia state championship on her resume.  As the years have progressed she has grown to 5'10'.  Last year she set a 5/1 for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 at the junior nationals in Chicago, finishing in 9th place in the USA Division.  As a frosh setting for a veteran team she experienced no problem communicating with the veteran players.  Since joining [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] she plays with girls one year older than her.  Claire knows how to run an offense.  She brings a maturity level beyond her class.  While she plays with the class of 2025 she ranks number six in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ed315b387b4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["204152"],"_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_0_evaluation":"As a frosh Sofie earned setting opportunities for Woodson High School.  Last year she earned a spot setting a 6/2, getting Woodson into the state playoffs.  They lost in the first round to Colonial Forge in five.  Despite the first round elimination Sofie still earned a spot on the second team in the Patriot District.  For Virginia Elite she normally sets a 6/2 but when it comes crunch time the team uses her in a 5/1.  She stands 5'9u0022 and ranks number 14 in our class of 2026, earning the second highest setter ranking.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ed315b3888a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397536"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Riverbend may have been in the state playoff finals if not for Riverside.  Riverbend only lost three matches all year and two of them were to Riverside.  Impressive when you consider the team was led by sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker'].  Her efforts earned her a spot on the Commonwealth District first team, the only player selected that was not a senior or junior.  She also got a spot on the second team for the Class 5d Regional.  Now she sets for a talented 540 volleyball academy 16 team ranked number one in the Old Dominion Region.  She creates length at 5'11 so she can be used in a 5/1 or stay in the front row in a 6/2 and still be an offensive threat.  Aubrey ranks number 21 in our class of 2026.  Aubrey is pictured setting in the picture above.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ed315b388eb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='321677' first='Charis' last='Burge'] (Bullis/Metro) - Another player who at 5'11" brings some length to the setter position. She sets for Metro 16, which carries a number of powerful pin hitters who stand 6'2" or greater, so her front row opportunities are limited. She does have the ability to attack the ball when given the opportunity to play right side. For Bullis she has set a 5/1 and a 6/2 while being used in the front row as an attacker. Prior to transferring to Bullis she set Urbana to their first Maryland Class 4A title as a frosh. While Bullis has a talented team with [player_tooltip player_id='181300' first='Alexis' last='Ewing'] and [player_tooltip player_id='181235' first='Sydney' last='Mayfield'] at the pins, they are in the same conference as Flint Hill and Georgetown Day in the Independent School League (ISL). Charis ranks number 20 in our class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["206729"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Megan shares the setting responsibilities with [player_tooltip player_id='321677' first='Charis' last='Burge'] at Bullis.  At 5'7u0022 she stands smaller in height, but she has a long reach that still allows her to put up a good block in the front row.  She also is very quick to the ball allowing her to use her hands for setting at all times.  Last year for Virginia Jrs. she played a year up but shared the setting responsibilities running a 6/2.  This year she plays a year down, but running a 5/1 for a Virginia Jrs 15 team that is ranked fourth in the region and 29th nationally.  Megan ranks number 22 in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ee07eaf1bcd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["333651"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Her sophomore year of high school Sydney set her team to the finals of the Virginia Class 5 state championship.   The finals was the only match they lost all year.  She made second team for the Potomac District as well as for the Class 5d Region.  Sydney took over for her sister Ava, who set for the team the previous year.  Keeping things in the family, she also follows her sisters footsteps setting for Virginia Jrs.  Her 5'7u0022 height normally restricts her to setting a 6/2, with someone coming in the front row for her to hit right side.  Sydney ranks number 26 in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ee07eaf1c58"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='346818' first='Charlotte' last='Deraleau'] (Churchill/MVSA) - While Charlotte currently ranks number 95 in our class of 2026 she should prepare herself for a big jump. Love her attitude on the court. She carries herself well. She shares a 6/2 with [player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato']. At 5'8" she normally gets rotated out once she enters the front row. Her serve tends to accumulate aces. She has the enthusiasm and leadership qualities that you love to see in a setter. Always very attentive when the coaches are talking to her on the sidelines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325600"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Last year Taryn set for MVSA.  This year she upped her profile earning a spot on Metro 16.  While there exists more pressure setting for a nationally ranked team she also has more weapons to show off her setting acumen.  Taryn also sets for Wooten high school, which lost in the first round of the state playoffs last year to eventual champion North Hagerstown.  At 5'7u0022 Taryn usually rotates out in the front row, especially when setting for Metro.  She ranks number 36 in our class of 2026 but could rise when rankings are updated in April.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ee07eaf1cd2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato'] (Holy Cross/MVSA) - Holy Cross won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) last year. The year before Anasofia set for Madison High School as a frosh and earned a spot on the Concorde District first team. Last year Anasofia transferred to Holy Cross and learned the WCAC plays at a different level. The Tartans carried a solid returning setter in [player_tooltip player_id='244159' first='Jaylyn' last='Simon'], who set a 5/1 for the playoffs. Anasofia got opportunities to set in less critical matches. She brings height to the position at 6'0". Her next challenge is mastering the subtleties of the position. Next year Holy Cross will be in need of a setter and Anasofia appears poised to fill that spot. She currently ranks number 41 in our class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238859"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Sydney has made some movement in the setting arena.  She transferred from Flint Hill to Virginia Academy High where the opportunity to use her setting skills were greater.  With [player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='180283' first='Natalie' last='Nguyen'] as the starting setters for Flint Hill, the opportunity for playing time did not exist.  For Virginia Academy Sydney was their top setter and even played right side when not setting.  (Edit - Sydney still plays for Metro.  An injury will prevent her from playing club this season.  She hopes to begin practice in May).   She also plays excellent defense at the position.  Sydney ranks number 27 in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ee07eaf1d6f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>Other Setters to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437447' first='Kai' last='Gorman'] </strong>(Virginia Elite) - Last year Kai played a level down setting for Virginia Jrs 14. She experienced a foot injury during junior nationals that prevented her from setting her high school season. She brings height to the position at 5'11". While she has fully recovered from her injury it takes time, especially at the setter position for that touch and tempo to return. She currently sets for Virginia Elite sharing setting duties with [player_tooltip player_id='204152' first='Sofie' last='Ferrell']. Kai ranks number 25 in our class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='399708' first='Aven' last='Thorn']</strong> (Liberty Elite/Jefferson) - Aven plays for Jefferson high school in West Virginia. At 5'7" she is limited to playing just back row. Her serve put her at number two in aces for Jefferson. Last year she got a late start to the club season because of injury. She still needs to work on getting back in better physical shape to improve her quickness and jump. Few setters have a better touch on the ball when making contact with her hands. She also brings a sharp volleyball IQ to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221032"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Wynn plays up on the Saint James 17 team. When I watched the team play in a recent tournament she was absent from the team. For high school she shares setting duties with Avery Prendergrast (2025). As a junior Avery got more opportunities to set but with her transfer to Bishop O'Connell next year Wynn appears to have the job. At 5'10u0022 she brings good height to the position. Next year will be her opportunity to win the setting job at St. Johns to sow what she can do.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f10e13a0696"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["367784"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Alexis appeared in my list of biggest climbers during my last class of 2026 ranking and seven to watch for this club season.  She earned a spot on the Cedar Run District second team last year.  When watching her play I love her enthusiasm.  She certainly knows how to get the most out of her teammates for staying focused in the game, a primary responsibility for a setter.  American sits at number 17 in the local Chesapeake region.  She ranks at number 75 for the class of 2026, but that could see an uptick when rankings are updated in April.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f10e13a06f2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->