There is no question as to why Farley is ranked as the best setter in her class. Gwen has all of the top qualities you need in a setter. The draw she brings to her gameplay goes far beyond just her skill set. She moves the ball around extraordinarily well, making her opponents unaware of her next move. Her leadership, drive, and dedication have not only taken her to the next level, but also bettered all of her teammates along the way.

Like others on the list of Elite All-State candidates as we kick off October, Farley is a kid that has raised her level of play every season, through club and prep competition. When I scouted her at the Benton tournament last month, it was the best I’d see the Valparaiso commitment perform during the many in-person viewing opportunities through the years. Farley is operating at a higher level than opponents, running a fast-tempo system and making great decisions in involving a talented group of attackers. She finds holes in the defense to end points, is playing sharp in the back row and throwing up a strong block.

Farley has been an impactful performer stretching back years. She’s never rested on her laurels, however, continuing to play a lot of volleyball and improve in all aspects of the game. The Valparaiso commitment influences matches with a broad base of skills. I saw her in person for the first time this season at the Benton Bobcat Invitational in mid-September. The senior was guiding the Mustangs during a dominant march to the championship. She’s a dead-eye setter, putting the ball on the money from all sorts of angles and locations. Attackers must love working with her. Farley has become more of a threat with her swing and ending points with a well-timed dump. Her block is getting better as is her defense in the back row. DCG is a contender this season, and Farley is a big reason why.

I’ve had a chance to scout Farley in person throughout the last few years. She’d steadily raised her game from last club season to the state tournament in the fall to midway through this current club campaign. The latest live look at Farley happened at the 2026 Adidas Windy City National Qualifer on Easter weekend in Chicago. She was once again running the show for a loaded lineup of PowerPlex hitters. The Valparaiso commitment was dealing dimes to the pins, setting up attacks from both sides, and mixing in offerings to the middles. Farley is consistently accurate and doesn’t give away many points. She moves well and gets to her spots for the pass. Farley can end points with well-timed dumps or by swinging away. She’s a sound defender at the net and holds up well in the back row. Valparaiso got a good one that keeps getting better.