Brains & Bombers: Setters and Right Sides Owned the PNQ

The Pacific Northwest Qualifier (PNQ) is more than just a tournament, it's a proving ground for volleyball athletes with national dreams. As one of the premier qualifiers on the West Coast, PNQ attracts elite teams and standout talent from across the region, all chasing a bid to the USA Volleyball National Championships in Texas. The energy is electric, the competition relentless, and every match offers a chance to rise above the rest.   At the heart of this high-stakes environment are the setters and right sides, the brains and bombers of the court. Setters bring the IQ, running the offense with precision and adjusting on the fly to outsmart even the toughest defenses. Meanwhile, right-side hitters deliver the heat. They're the ones tasked with shutting down the opponent's best outside hitters and turning broken plays into booming kills.   Often overlooked, the right side of the court is where many of the game's most strategic decisions unfold. For coaches, it's a dream sideline, a place where they can communicate plays in real time, make quick adjustments, and strategize both offensively and defensively without calling a time out.   The following “Brains & Bombers” didn't just compete, they commanded attention. These are the athletes college coaches should be eager to connect with: smart, powerful, and built for big moments.      [player_tooltip player_id='569592' first='Emerson' last='Harper'], class of 2030 continues to orchestrate the offense with poise and precision, delivering a near-poetic performance at the net. Her ability to move fluidly between multiple hitters while maintaining tempo and consistency makes the game look effortless. She distributes the ball with intention, keeping blockers off balance and maximizing the strengths of her attackers.   What sets Emerson apart is her ability to take control of the offense without ever forcing the play. Her sneaky setter dumps are perfectly timed, catching defenses off guard and adding another layer to her already deceptive game. With a calm demeanor and a sharp competitive edge, Emerson is the kind of setter who elevates the players around her and keeps her team running at a high level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='543959' first='Jade' last='Morgan'] brings a unique blend of setting precision and offensive firepower to the court. Fundamentally sound with her footwork and decision-making, she excels at keeping defenses on their toes by refusing to make predictable sets. Jade changes up her tempo and location with purpose, running a creative offense that gives her hitters high-percentage opportunities.   What makes Jade especially dangerous is her ability to attack as a right-side threat. She delivers with power when swinging and adds another layer of pressure with her wicked left-handed jump serve, which proved difficult for opponents to handle throughout PNQ. A setter who can both facilitate and finish, Jade brings high-level versatility and a competitive edge to her role. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='506242' first='Aylee' last='Rose Pizzo'] brings undeniable strength and power to the right side, consistently challenging blockers and finding ways to score. She hits with force and confidence, often powering through the block to put points on the board. Her physicality at the net makes her a go-to option in critical moments.   What's most exciting about Aylee is her upward trajectory, she continues to improve every time she steps on the court. Her progress is evident in both her decision-making and execution, showing that she's not only powerful but also coachable and committed to growth. Aylee's combination of strength and steady development makes her a prospect to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='764434' first='Corley' last='Simoni'] is a high-IQ setter who plays with pace, precision, and a touch of creativity that keeps defenses guessing. She's not afraid to improvise, whether it's a one-arm set to change the rhythm or a quick tempo ball to the pins, Corley mixes things up to keep her offense unpredictable and efficient.   Her ability to run a fast offense while maintaining control gives her hitters every opportunity to capitalize. She distributes the ball evenly, keeps blockers guessing, and creates favorable matchups with smart decision-making. Corley's blend of quick thinking and technical skill makes her a strong floor leader and a setter with next-level potential. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Amelia Knutson runs a smart, well-paced offense, showing advanced decision-making and excellent setter-hitter connection. She does an outstanding job adjusting tempo and set height based on her hitters' strengths, whether she's working with a heavy-hitting outside or a quick middle, Amelia delivers the ball with precision and purpose. Her ability to mix up her offense keeps blockers guessing and maximizes her team's scoring efficiency.   At PNQ, Amelia's effectiveness was on full display as her outsides went 20-for-24 in kills, a testament to her rhythm, timing, and trust with her pin hitters. She's a composed leader who knows how to manage her offense, making her a valuable asset for any high-level program. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Caelyn DeWit is a highly coachable athlete who listens, adapts, and executes with precision. During a key moment at PNQ, she was given specific serving instructions, and delivered exactly what was asked. That kind of focus and responsiveness speaks volumes about her discipline and trustworthiness on the court.   Beyond her coachability, Caelyn brings a steady presence on the right side, showing a strong understanding of team roles and game flow. Her ability to take feedback and immediately apply it sets her apart as a player who's eager to grow and ready for the demands of the next level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grace Ge</h2>   Grace Ge is a confident and composed setter who takes command of the court in every rotation. Her footwork is sharp, allowing her to stay balanced and deliver clean, consistent sets from even the toughest positions. What sets Grace apart is her willingness to challenge herself, she doesn't settle for the easy option and often takes bold risks to elevate her team's offense.   Grace leads both vocally and physically. She's a presence on the block, actively involved in reading the play, and maintains strong chemistry with her middles, executing quick sets with precision. Her energy is contagious, she keeps her teammates engaged and fired up, driving the tempo and intensity of the match. Grace is a true floor general with the poise and vision to run a high-level offense. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, 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 a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. 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.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

The Pacific Northwest Qualifier (PNQ) is more than just a tournament, it's a proving ground for volleyball athletes with national dreams. As one of the premier qualifiers on the West Coast, PNQ attracts elite teams and standout talent from across the region, all chasing a bid to the USA Volleyball National Championships in Texas. The energy is electric, the competition relentless, and every match offers a chance to rise above the rest.