Windy City 2027 Open: Setters Who See the Game Differently

Use Code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/image_c8d6cf.png" alt="" class="wp-image-961001" style="width:320px;height:auto" /></figure>   At Windy City Open 2027, the setter position took on a different level of responsibility—this was about more than distribution, it was about directing the flow of the match. With college coaches lining every court, attention wasn't just on who got the assist, but how the offense was being created. This group of setters operated with intention, showing an understanding of spacing, tempo, and how to consistently put hitters in advantageous situations.   The offensive variety stood out immediately. Setters were establishing the middle with purpose—connecting on 1s, pushes, and slides to keep blockers honest and prevent the defense from loading up on the pins. From there, they expanded the floor, delivering tempo to the outside with go balls, faster tempo sets, and inside shoots that forced early movement from opposing blockers. On the right side, they mixed in both quick back sets and higher tempo balls, adjusting based on rotation, matchup, and defensive positioning. It wasn't just about running plays—it was about building pressure across the entire net.   What made this group especially effective was how they handled imperfect situations. When first contact drifted off target, these setters stayed composed and continued to create opportunities. They delivered hittable balls from off-balance positions, used their shoulders and eyes to disguise location, and understood when to take risk versus when to reset the rally. You could see them actively manipulating the block—holding middles just long enough, shifting tempo, and creating seams that weren't there at the start of the play.   There was also a clear feel for rhythm and sequencing. These setters didn't operate possession by possession—they built momentum. Establishing the middle early, stretching defenses wide, then coming back with a slide or a quick tempo option kept opponents from settling into a pattern. Their ability to read the floor, adjust mid-match, and stay one step ahead gave their teams a consistent edge throughout the day.   In a division loaded with talent, this group showed a deeper level of understanding. They weren't just delivering the ball—they were shaping how the game was played, creating structure in chaos, and giving their hitters the ability to perform at a higher level.    [player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith'] controlled the tempo of her offense from the first match I watched. What stood out immediately was how intentional she was establishing the middle early—consistently connecting on 1s and quick pushes that forced opposing middles to stay honest. Once that was set, she expanded the floor, delivering fast tempo to the outside with go balls and inside shoots that created clean one-on-one looks. Her ability to hold the block with her eyes before releasing to the pin created separation that didn't just happen by chance.   As the day progressed, Marlie continued to layer her offense. She mixed in the slide effectively, especially in transition, and showed comfort setting from multiple spots on the court. Even when pushed off the net, she maintained tempo and location, giving hitters quality swings. The offense felt structured but never predictable—and that came directly from how she sequenced her routes.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Abby Webster ran one of the more dynamic pin-focused offenses I saw on Day 2. She consistently delivered a range of tempos to her outsides—mixing higher, controlled balls with faster tempo sets and inside shoots that kept blockers guessing. What separated her was how she adjusted based on the block—she wasn't locked into one speed or location. She read hands well and delivered balls that allowed her hitters to tool or find seams.   She also incorporated her right side effectively, using quick back sets and spreading the offense to prevent defenses from loading up. In out-of-system situations, Abby stayed composed and prioritized hittable balls, often resetting tempo in a way that allowed her team to stay in rhythm. Her ability to adjust on the fly and still create offensive options made her a consistent presence throughout the day. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='443081' first='Tiernan' last='Naus'] brought a high-level feel for tempo and spacing that stood out across multiple matches. She did a great job running a balanced offense, but what caught my attention was how effectively she utilized the slide. She connected consistently in transition, creating movement laterally that pulled blockers off their base and opened up the rest of the court.   Her tempo to the pins was clean and repeatable, especially on faster sets that allowed hitters to stay ahead of the block. Tiernan also showed confidence setting in tight windows—delivering quick decisions without hesitation. When plays broke down, she didn't rush—she stayed composed, found her hitters, and kept the offense moving. There was a steady rhythm to how she ran her system, and it translated into consistent production. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Avary Brown operated with a clear understanding of how to apply pressure through tempo. She leaned into a faster-paced offense, especially to the outside, where she consistently delivered quick tempo balls that forced blockers to commit early. Her connection with her hitters stood out—timing was clean, and routes were executed with precision.   What I liked most was how she layered in the middle. She didn't overuse it, but when she went there—1s and pushes were effective and purposeful. That allowed her to come back to the pins with even more success. Avary also showed confidence using her right side in transition, mixing tempo and location to keep the defense from settling. Her ability to keep the game moving at her pace created a lot of offensive advantages. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='739578' first='Morgan' last='Wiezorek'] showed a strong command of out-of-system play and route variation throughout Day 2. She was one of the more comfortable setters when the pass wasn't perfect, consistently delivering hittable balls from off-net positions. She did a great job using higher tempo sets when needed, then transitioning back into quicker options once the system stabilized.   She also mixed in her back row effectively, creating additional offensive layers that forced the defense to account for more than just front-row options. Morgan's decision-making stood out—she understood when to spread the offense and when to ride a matchup. Her ability to manage chaos and still create structure gave her team consistent opportunities to score. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Caycee Chhum brought a high level of deception and control to her offense. What stood out right away was how well she used her body and eyes to manipulate blockers. She consistently held the middle just long enough before releasing to the outside or right side, creating seams that her hitters were able to take advantage of.   She ran a smooth mix of routes—connecting on quicks in the middle, then stretching the floor with tempo to the pins. Her back sets were especially effective, delivered with consistency and pace. Caycee also showed confidence, incorporating setter dumps at the right moments, keeping defenses honest. Her ability to disguise and deliver made her one of the more difficult setters to read on the day. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Kelsie Smith showcased a strong feel for offensive sequencing and match flow. She did a great job building her offense over time—starting with the middle, then expanding to the pins, and circling back to keep defenses from locking in. Her ability to connect on slides added another layer, especially in transition, where she created movement across the net.   She was also effective in her tempo control. Kelsie knew when to speed things up and when to slow it down, allowing her team to regain control in longer rallies. Her sets to the outside were clean and consistent, giving hitters the ability to see the block and make decisions. Overall, she brought a steady presence and a clear understanding of how to keep her offense balanced and effective. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going 🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility matters.   🎯 College Coaches Tag these athletes in University Athlete and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. 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