Inside the Film Room: 2029 Setters to Keep and Eye On

Setters often reveal themselves long before the box score ever does. In the film room, it’s the subtle details that separate prospects: how they manage tempo, manipulate blockers with their eyes and shoulders, and solve problems when the play breaks down. This piece takes an evaluator’s lens to the 2029 setter class, focusing on decision-making, physical tools, and offensive command rather than highlights alone. These are early impressions from live evaluation and film study, aimed at identifying traits that project as the game continues to speed up at the highest levels.

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2029 Setters with a profile:

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Carolyn Maria, 73”- Metro DC, Virginia - Elite Red level

Elite red-level body control and footwork stand out immediately on film, allowing her to make difficult passes and off-system situations look routine. She consistently delivers emergency sets that remain hittable, which directly elevates her hitters’ efficiency. Shows a natural ability to improve the players around her through tempo control and location. Offensive presence at the net, capable of scoring when matched or left unattended. Owns Silver/Gold-level size for the position with room to continue developing physically. A strong showing at NTDP Winter Training significantly raised her profile, with her PPV climbing to 221. Projects as a high-upside setter with legitimate P4 potential as her game continues to mature.

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Evelyn Shirk, 71” - 1st Alliance, Indiana - Red level

Strength and athleticism are evident immediately on film, allowing her to consistently get to balls others can’t. Strong wrists enable her to maintain tempo and deliver clean sets from extended distances, keeping the offense in rhythm even when plays break down. Shows a good feel for her middles and an understanding of timing that continues to improve. Jumps well and presents a solid blocking presence at the net. Coming off a strong high school season, she has positioned herself as arguably the top 2029 player in Indiana. Another strong performance at NTDP Winter Training elevated her PPV to 212, placing her right on the border of Elite Red level, a threshold she appears poised to reach during the upcoming club season.

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Haven Enselman, 71”- Adversity, Illinois - Red level

Quick wrists stand out immediately on film, particularly in rhythm on good passes. She shows the ability to run a fast tempo to the pins and can effectively reverse the flow of the offense to disrupt opposing blockers. Owns red-level size for the position and uses it well to maintain clean release points. Importantly, she is not a blocking liability, a common concern at the position, and competes well at the net. Displays the tools and offensive understanding necessary to project as a 5–1 setter at the next level as her game continues to develop.

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Collyns Livermore, 72” - Shockwave VBC, Kansas - Elite Orange level

Shows an advanced feel for jump setting and uses it frequently, which is a significant plus at this stage of development. A good athlete with strong balance and body control when moving to the ball, allowing her to stay composed under pressure. Does a nice job distributing to all hitters and keeping the offense unpredictable. Owns really good size for the position, jumps well, and brings added value as an attacker with a heavy arm capable of scoring. Her versatility projects at the next level, where she could operate in a 6–2 as an OPP in front-row or run a 5–1 independently. Following a strong high school season, her PPV has climbed to 194, placing her right on the border of Red level.

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Alex Serina, 68” - Advantage VBA, Pennsylvania - Elite Orange level

What stands out most on film is how offensive-minded she is as a setter, being a lefty adds another layer of difficulty for opposing defenses. A solid athlete who consistently looks for opportunities to score herself, particularly in transition. Her ability to jump set enhances her offensive threat and keeps blockers uncomfortable, as she can turn and attack at any moment when in the front row. This dual-threat presence forces defenses to stay honest. Her PPV has climbed to 178 heading into the 2026 club season, reflecting continued upward momentum in her development.

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More 2029 setters to watch: (without a profile):

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Edie Cabell, 71” - Alliance, Tennessee - Elite Red level

Checks nearly every box evaluators look for at the position: size, athleticism, body control, work ethic, and pedigree. Comes from a high-level athletic family, with two older brothers projecting as major P4 wide receivers, and that competitive DNA shows on film. She takes her training seriously and does not settle for average, consistently playing with edge and intent. A high-level competitor with a strong feel for the game, capable of running tempo and getting her hands on nearly any ball. Brings legitimate Elite Red level upside and projects as a real difference-maker at the setter position as her development continues.

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Daisy Brown, 73” - SG Elite, California - Elite Red level

Owns really good size for the setter position and is playing up this season on a highly athletic 16 Roshambo roster, which has accelerated her development. Shows a strong connection with her hitters and demonstrates an understanding of offensive rhythm. Her beach background is evident on film, contributing to her all-around skill set, ball control, and problem-solving ability. Profiles clearly as a 5–1 setter, and with her size and athleticism, projects as an Elite Red level prospect at the next level. 

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Alaina McGuire, 66” - KC Power, Kansas - Elite Red level

A feisty setter whose competitiveness and edge show consistently on film. She does a good job elevating her hitters and finding ways to create advantages despite size limitations. Earned an NTDP Winter Training invite, reflecting recognition of her game management and impact. She’s a bit undersized but brings strong “Gabby Blossom–type” vibes in terms of energy, leadership, and toughness at the position, which still projects her as an Elite Red level prospect!

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Alexa Koonsen, 70” - Houston Juniors, Texas - Red level

Shows a strong connection with her middles and does a nice job setting consistent tempo throughout the offense. Good body control allows her to stay balanced and deliver clean contact in a variety of situations. Displays a high volleyball IQ, making sound decisions and keeping hitters involved. Recently changed clubs and is now the starting setter for HJV 15 Elite.

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Holly Wilson, 67" - Fusion, Illinois - Orange level

An all-around athlete whose footwork and body control allow her to reverse the flow of the offense with ease. Consistent hands and wrists, paired with a high contact point, make her difficult to read and allow her to set away from the opposing middle late. Advanced footwork gives her freedom regardless of pass location. A strong competitor and student of the game who actively seeks feedback and isn’t afraid to attempt difficult sets to win. With added experience, she projects to continue freezing blockers at a high rate.