Setters Who Rose to the Challenge at the Triple Crown NIT

The Triple Crown NIT is one of the most intense volleyball tournaments in the nation, a high-stakes proving ground where only the toughest competitors thrive. The sheer magnitude of the event is overwhelming—over 670 teams, 7,000 athletes, and 800 college coaches in attendance. And at the heart of it all, setters are tasked with quarterbacking their teams through the chaos.   What sets Triple Crown apart is the pressure. The weekend is a relentless test of skill, decision-making, and composure. All a setter needs is a good pass, close to target, to showcase their ability to run the offense with precision. But in the heat of competition, those perfect passes aren't always delivered, and that's when a setter's true talent is tested.   Do you set your superstar hitter after she's just been blocked? Do you shift to the back row for a reset? Do you take control and surprise the defense with a well-timed dump? These decisions are made in split seconds, and one wrong choice can cost the match.   With that pressure in mind, I've highlighted eight exceptional setters who embraced the challenge of competing in the 16U division at the 2025 Triple Crown NIT and left no doubt that they are set for the challenge.    [player_tooltip player_id='525604' first='Kiersten' last='Moore'] is beyond talented in her movements on the court. A 2027 phenom, she delivers picture-perfect sets with precision, putting her hitters in the best possible position to score. She is strong, smooth, and fast, seamlessly transitioning from defense to offense with ease. Kiersten's ability to read the game and react quickly under pressure makes her an elite-level setter. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft make it clear, she is destined for next-level volleyball. With her combination of skill, athleticism, and court awareness, she continues to prove she is one of the top setters in her division.     [player_tooltip player_id='547583' first='Marley' last='Bemus'] is a fun setter to watch. She plays with confidence and control, fully locked into the game at all times. Her athleticism and composure allow her to command the court with authority, making smart, calculated decisions under pressure. What makes Marley truly special is her blocking technique, she positions herself effectively at the net, reading the offense and disrupting plays with well-timed movements. Her ability to not only set but also defend at a high level adds a dynamic presence to her team, making her a great well-rounded setter in the 16U division. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='468094' first='Royal' last='Banducci'] is a setter who takes command of the court with confidence. She expertly mixes up her sets, keeping the opposing blockers on their toes and ensuring her hitters have strong opportunities to score. Her ability to distribute the ball strategically makes her a valuable asset to her team's offensive system. With her strong presence and leadership, Royal continuously proves she is a setter built for high-level competition. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='747749' first='Lauren' last='Kasubuchi'] is a setter who thrives on speed and athleticism. She plays with an unmatched intensity, pushing herself to make the difficult plays that separate good setters from great ones. She doesn't settle for the easy set; instead, she uses her fundamentals to create opportunities for her hitters. Lauren's movement on the court is exceptional, she covers ground quickly, adjusts in real time, and never gives up on a play. Her relentless effort and dynamic playmaking ability make her a crucial asset in high-pressure matches, proving she's built for the challenge of elite competition. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='338908' first='Lucky' last='Fasavalu'] is a setter who combines smooth athleticism with relentless hustle. She has an innate ability to mix up the ball, keeping blockers on their toes and maintaining an unpredictable offense. What sets Lucky apart is her exceptional communication with her hitters, she ensures her team stays in sync, adjusting her sets based on their needs. Whether it's delivering a perfect tempo set or making a quick decision under pressure, she consistently finds ways to put her attackers in the best possible position to score. Her ability to read the defense and react accordingly makes her a standout performer in high-pressure situations. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='501122' first='Rubi' last='Silva'] is a setter with outstanding hands and elite court communication. She plays with impressive speed and knows how to mix in push sets to keep the defense off balance. She never settles for the easy set, constantly looking to challenge defenders with smart ball placement. One of her standout skills is her beautifully executed back set, which keeps blockers guessing and creates opportunities for her hitters. Rubi's discipline on defense and ability to stay engaged in every play make her a highly effective and well-rounded setter who thrives under pressure. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='877801' first='Kathryn' last='Vercillo'] – Sunshine 16 Pacific</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='877801' first='Kathryn' last='Vercillo'] is a setter with remarkable speed and precision. A 2027 prospect, she makes quick, smart decisions and does an outstanding job mixing up her sets to keep defenders guessing. Kathryn plays with an undeniable fire, constantly pushing herself to elevate her team's offensive efficiency. Her high volleyball IQ allows her to read plays ahead of time and make adjustments that put her hitters in the best possible positions to score. Whether she's delivering a perfect tempo set or executing a strategic play under pressure, Kathryn proves she is ready to handle the pressure. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Olivia Koubek – Sunshine 16 LA</h2>   Olivia Koubek is a setter who consistently elevates her game. A 2027 prospect, she has proven to be a leader both in high school and on her club team. Her ability to command the court is undeniable—she is dialed in, fully in control, and knows how to establish a strong rapport with her teammates. Olivia runs a smooth, efficient offense, making intelligent decisions that keep defenses guessing. Her composure under pressure and ability to execute plays at a high level make her an invaluable presence on the court. Whether adjusting her sets to match her hitters' strengths or confidently leading her team through crucial moments, Olivia demonstrates why she belongs among the best. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and an inside look at the volleyball community you love.   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. A big thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.   This journey is made possible by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

The Triple Crown NIT is one of the most intense volleyball tournaments in the nation, a high-stakes proving ground where only the toughest competitors thrive. The sheer magnitude of the event is overwhelming—over 670 teams, 7,000 athletes, and 800 college coaches in attendance. And at the heart of it all, setters are tasked with quarterbacking their teams through the chaos.