We are seeing a pattern with a lot of these high level setters.  They can set or they can attack.  Tatum Kelly Tatum Kelly 5'11" | S Neuqua Valley | 2028 State IL is elite at both, a true all around player.  The top prospect in the Class of 2028 from Illinois is the quarterback for 1st Alliance 16 Gold who was able to grab an open bid from the Windy City Qualifier. Before Kelly even touches the ball, her movement on the court is so smooth, effortless.  She is able to get to the ball, stay neutral, and set all the tempos.  In the summer of 2025, she had a busy camp season going to some big programs – Kentucky, USC, and Baylor to name a few.  

Tatum is a setter you genuinely enjoy watching. She sprays the ball all over the court with precision and confidence. But she isn’t just a setter; she’s an athlete who can flat out score on the right side with a strong, reliable swing. If Tatum is on the floor, you’d better know where she is, because she finds ways to rack up points in every rotation. She makes smart reads, chooses the right play at the right time, and elevates everyone around her. Game is smooth with a high IQ she makes it look easy. Whether she’s setting, hitting, or defending, Tatum is the kind of athlete you just enjoy watching; she just doesn’t play, but dominates in every possible way. 

1st Alliance 15 Gold was another squad who was able to punch their ticket to the USAV Open division at the Windy City Qualifier. They have quite the dynamic athlete in Tatum Kelly who is a setter/right side combo player.  What is really impressive about her game is how she is able to just create scoring opportunities for her athletes and score points at will herself.  She is someone the other side of the net always needs to know where she is at all times and what she is going to do.  Her length and all around volleyball IQ is extremely mature, she makes those around her better.