Oregon’s top high school volleyball players: Meet the state’s best setters
We’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oregon high school volleyball. This list focuses on the setters.
There are hundreds of standout volleyball players in Oregon and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Let us know about any other setters you think should be added.
Alyssa Lewey (Sheldon) photo by Blake Benard
—
S Ava Ainsworth, Marshfield, junior
Ainsworth was one of four Pirates to make the 4A all-state team last fall, earning second-team honors with 797 assists, 146 digs, 59 aces and 16 blocks to help the team win its first state championship. “Ava has developed into an outstanding 5-1 setter,” coach Tammie Montiel said. “She has the tough job of spreading the ball out to our many hitters in every rotation. She has also become a threat at the net while in the front row.”
S Katiya Arellano, Valley Catholic, senior
Arellano made the all-Lewis & Clark League second team last season for the 3A state champions, and she’ll split time with freshman Jaya McGregor while running a multifaceted attack this fall.
S Jackie Carle, Jesuit, junior
Carle seized the starting job midway through her freshman season and made the 6A all-state honorable mention list last year, when she averaged 11.1 assists per set (1,073 in 97 sets) and served 23 aces (94% serving). This year, she’ll split time with junior Hayden McGehee in a 6-2 offense.
S/RS Rachel Cohrs, Catlin Gabel, junior
Cohrs led the Eagles with 63 aces to go with 270 assists and 102 digs last season, then played for the 16U regional champion club team while also finding time to compete on the school’s Flaming Chickens robotics team that went to nationals. “Rachel put in a lot of work in the club season,” coach Jeannette Lee said. “She also hit some for them, which reminded me of another strength of hers we’d be wise to utilize. She has grown in maturity and confidence, and I’m excited to see how she leads the offense.”
S Leah Dickason, St. Mary’s Academy, freshman
The arrival of Dickason, who played her first varsity match as a 13-year-old (she turned 14 the following day), and junior transfer Maya Cabine from Jesuit have changed the dynamic for Blues coach Wendy Stammer. “She’s going from 14s to running an offense on varsity,” she said.
S Olivia Doel, West Linn, senior
Doel is the lone returning player to appear for the Lions in their 2021 Class 6A state championship victory over Jesuit, playing in the back row and finishing with nine digs and an ace. She moved to setter last year to replace all-state second-teamer Shaelyn Cecil and made the all-Three Rivers League first team. “Olivia is a four-year player and returning team captain who will be leading the offense,” coach Emilie Wilmes said.
S Amelia Eubanks, Nelson, senior
Eubanks made the all-Mt. Hood Conference first team for the Hawks last season, averaging 10.2 assists per set (1,006 in 99 sets) with 158 digs, 27 aces and 18 blocks while directing an attack that led them to a third-place finish at the 6A state tournament in just their second year. Eubanks also won two medals at the state swimming championships, placing fourth in the 100-yard butterfly and 100 breaststroke. “I’m really excited about her coming back,” said coach Lisa Flaherty-McBee. “She’s so smart, so strategic with what she does, and she’s worked on her release in club ball, getting the ball out faster now. It’s fun seeing the mix of her sets and how we can run a faster offense this year.”
S Morgan Fetty, Clackamas, junior
The Cavaliers struggled for much of last season, but they closed the year by winning three of their final four matches, led prominently by Fetty, a second-team all-Mt. Hood Conference pick who had 57 assists in a five-set victory against David Douglas on Senior Night. She returns this year fresh off a strong club season setting for NW Elite’s top 16s team.
S Sofie Fox, Forest Grove, sophomore
Vikings coach Jeff Leo predicted Fox will be one of the Pacific Conference’s top setters this fall despite her youth. “She is a great addition to the team and will be one of our leaders this year,” he said. “Her wide range of skills and knowledge of the game makes her a threat all over the court.”
S Kaarina Geymann, Beaverton, junior
Geymann is the only returning Beaver to receive all-Metro League recognition last fall, when she made the third team. The lefty setter also led the Beavers in hitting percentage last season and now looks to lead the team back to the 6A playoffs after a four-year absence. “With her commanding presence and innate leadership qualities, she serves as our vocal captain,” coach Ashley Waggoner said. “She’s fully prepared to guide the team to new heights by orchestrating our gameplay and ensuring everyone is on the same page.”
S Cammy Gore, Wilsonville, senior
Gore’s presence led Wildcats coach Scott Thompson to move all-state setter Makenna Wiepert to outside hitter last season, and Gore rewarded him by making the all-Northwest Oregon Conference honorable mention list with 446 assists, 114 digs and 54 aces while directing the team to a third-place finish at the 5A state tournament. “She brings set consistency, great defense and tough serving,” Thompson said.
S/RS Dannika Goss, Tillamook, senior
Goss made the 4A all-state honorable mention list last season, with her 625 assists ranking second among returning setters this year. She also competes for Tillamook’s trap shooting team that qualified for state last fall and won three FFA awards at the Tillamook County Fair in August. “She does a good job running a fast-paced offense,” said first-year Cheesemakers coach Trina Goss. “She spreads the ball around well and has a very effective serve.”
S Mykael Graham, Stanfield, junior
Graham made the all-Blue Mountain Conference team last season for the Tigers, finishing with 379 assists, 132 digs and 49 aces to help them bring home the first trophy in program history with a fourth-place finish at the 2A state tournament. She also won the conference title in trap shooting and made the all-state team.
S/RS Taylor Guerra, Westview, senior
Guerra last season was a second-team all-Metro League player as an all-around player, helping the Wildcats advance to the 6A state tournament for the first time since 2001 and place fifth. She had team highs of 191 assists and 37 aces during league play to go with 60 digs, 27 kills and seven solo blocks, and coach Janelle Brandt named her a team captain this year. “It’s a new role for her, but as a setter, she’s a natural leader,” Brandt said. “She’s always been the underclassman, but now that she’s that leader on the court, she has such a strong presence, it’s a role she’s excited to be in.”
S Grace Hannan, Dallas, senior
Hannan is a four-year varsity player who made the all-Mid-Willamette Conference second team last season as she helped the Dragons make back-to-back 5A state playoff appearances for the first time since 2013-14. “A team leader who is looking forward to a great senior season,” coach Shana Lavier said.
S/RS Madi Harrington, Sunset, sophomore
The Apollos are a senior-rich squad this year, but coach Lad Salness had to make room for Harrington in the lineup, and through the first couple of weeks of the season, she showed her two-way prowess with 53 assists, 30 kills and nine aces.
S Alexis Haury, Silverton, senior
Haury is a two-time Gatorade state player of the year and an SBLive Oregon first-team all-state selection who last fall helped the Foxes advance to the 5A state tournament for the first time since 2015. The University of Washington commit had 340 assists, 303 digs, 56 aces and 175 kills last season, posting a .350 hitting percentage.
S/RS Lexi Herber, Western Christian, junior
Herber transferred to Western Christian from Salem Academy, which she helped win a 2A state title last season with 784 assists, 275 digs, 111 kills, 80 aces and 18 blocks in earning first-team all-state honors.
S Phoebe Hylan, Oregon City, junior
Hylan showed marked improvement during her sophomore season, overcoming a traumatic injury to earn all-Three Rivers League honorable mention and direct an attack that led the Pioneers to a fourth-place finish at the 6A state tournament. She finished with 549 assists and 83 aces.
S Libby Juker, Estacada, senior
Juker last fall became the program’s first all-Tri-Valley Conference first-team selection since 2018, helping them advance to the 4A play-in round. “Libby will lead the team with her setting and leadership abilities,” said Rangers coach Sue Doan. “Libby is athletic and smart — the perfect combination for a setter.”
S Gracie Koch, St. Paul, senior
Koch has run a 5-1 for the Buckaroos the past three years, making the 1A all-state second team last fall, when she had 593 assists (a .396 assist rate) and 102 aces to help them place third at state. “She sets it all — outsides, backs, quicks front and back, front shoot back slides,” said coach Les Hiller. “An incredible leader with a great attitude.”
S/RS Elisabeth Levick, Glencoe, senior
Levick is a six-rotation standout for the Crimson Tide who recently committed to Old Dominion University in Virginia following a junior season in which she had 136 kills (.206 hitting), 122 digs, 29 aces and 15 blocks in making the all-Pacific Conference first team. “Elisabeth is a phenomenal setter and leader on the volleyball team,” said coach Natalie Brandt. “Her hustle to get to every ball inspires others on the team to work just as hard.”
S/RS Alyssa Lewey, Sheldon, senior
Lewey split time setting with SBLive Oregon first-team all-state pick Beaux Bruegman last fall, making the all-Southwest Conference second team while averaging 3.8 assists per set (418 in 110 sets) to go with 149 digs, 40 kills and 36 aces to help the Irish win their first 6A state title. Coach Martine Wodke will run a 5-1 this season, meaning Lewey will run the show alone. “She’s doing a phenomenal job as our lead setter,” Wodke said. “She’s really excited to figure out how to help the team score points.”
S Alexia Lowe, Mazama, senior
Lowe played a crucial role in the Vikings ending a 17-year state tournament drought last fall, directing their attack and earning second-team all-Skyline Conference honors. She finished with 537 assists, 117 kills, 300 digs, 17 blocks and 85 aces (serving .934). “Alexia is a quick-footed and smart setter who just keeps getting better and better,” coach John Downey said. “She is an incredible defensive athlete with quick-twitch reflexes and a diabolical serve.”
S/OH Mahala McCrae, North Salem, senior
McCrae is a three-year captain who was one of the Vikings’ bright spots last season, making the all-Central Valley Conference second team. She enjoys writing books and scripts, some inspired by being part of a diverse and blended family with nine siblings. “Mahala is an essential player for us, not only skill wise, but her leadership abilities, understanding of the game, and positive and ferocious attitude impact our team in major ways,” coach Katie Mitchell said. “She is the type of player you want to play with.”
S/OH Zoe Mish, Wells, senior
Mish has played all over the court for the Guardians during her career. She started as an outside hitter as a freshman, moved to the middle as a sophomore, then transitioned to libero last year, when she was a first-team all-PIL selection and committed to Hawaii Pacific. Coach Mark Mendak wanted her on the court for six rotations, moving her to setter and outside for her senior season. “She’s a stud, a natural leader who has positive energy,” Mendak said.
S Kamden Mitchell, Crescent Valley, junior
Mitchell is one of three talented juniors who helped change the trajectory of the Raiders program. She made the SBLive Oregon all-state second team last fall for the 5A state champions, finishing with 710 assists (7.7 per set), 235 digs, 120 kills (.413 hitting percentage) and 45 aces (.922 serving percentage). Coach Troy Storey noted how Mitchell changed her offseason training regimen to raise her level of play. She announced her commitment to play beach and indoor volleyball at the University of Oregon in June, then finished first in the 18 Open division at the Seaside Beach tournament with Bend’s Jillian Stein (now at Austin Peay). “That training has raised not only her setting but also makes her a hitter to be reckoned with,” Storey said.
S/OH Haley Moreschi, David Douglas, senior
Moreschi’s standout all-around play netted her second-team all-Mt. Hood Conference honors last fall, when she led the team in assists and averaged 6.8 kills and three aces per match. “Haley is a very versatile athlete that is successful in whatever position she plays,” said Scots coach Janeen Rainey.
S/RS Evie Morrisette, Sprague, junior
Morrisette set only in the front row in a modified 5-1 last fall, when she made the all-Central Valley Conference honorable mention list (349 assists, 43 digs, 33 kills, 24 blocks). Olympians coach Anne Olsen has handed her the keys to the offense to run it all on her own this season. “She is breaking out of her shell and really showing her full potential as a setter,” Olsen said. “She seems ready to lead the team.”
S Addy Northway, Grant Union, junior
Northway’s emergence last season allowed Prospectors coach Mariah Moulton to move Brilynn Combs to outside hitter and run a 5-1, meaning the sophomore could touch the ball on every play. She finished the year with 310 digs, 104 aces and 57 kills. “She hustles hard and, in my opinion, is the best setter in the state,” Moulton said.
S Kamree Orizotti, South Salem, sophomore
Saxons coach Matthew Leichty threw Orizotti into the fire as a freshman, and she not only survived but thrived, receiving all-Central Valley Conference honorable mention with 505 assists, 122 digs and 51 aces to help the team reach the second round of the 6A state playoffs. “Kamree has made huge strides over the year and is far more comfortable directing traffic and running the offense,” Leichty said. “She has improved significantly in her awareness, locations and consistency, and will only continue to get better as she gets comfortable with her hitters.”
S Amy Pappas, Umpqua Valley Christian, senior
Pappas played a significant role in the Monarchs’ first 1A state tournament appearance last fall and made the all-state first team as a result. She played on the NPJ 17 National club team that advanced to the national championships in Chicago. “She is an amazing setter and brings a ton of energy and experience to the court,” coach Candice Renyer said.
S/OH Taryn Ramsay, Scio, junior
Ramsay is a two-time all-PacWest Conference selection who led the Loggers in assists, aces and digs last season.
S Irene Rocha-Ibarra, Cascade, sophomore
Rocha-Ibarra has lived in the Cascade School District all her life, but last fall, she attended Blanchet Catholic, where she was a second-team all-Tri-River Conference selection. She transferred to Cascade this season, where she has the task of replacing SBLive Oregon all-state second-team setter Meah Carley. “We were so grateful to have Irene with us,” said Cougars coach Cristina Williams. “She is a phenomenal setter who is a demanding competitor and amazing leader. She has experience and knowledge of the game as a sophomore and will only help us be more.”
S/RS Alexa Schnell, Corvallis, junior
The Spartans ran a 6-2 last season, meaning Schnell rarely left the court in earning all-Mid-Willamette Conference honorable mention, racking up 301 assists (3.9 per set), 161 digs and 44 aces. “Alexa can play any position on the floor, but setting is her passion,” coach Kari Morrow said. “We are looking to get her in the offense more this year. Alexa is a great leader and brings so much positive energy to the team.”
S Katelyn Senn, Bandon, senior
Senn is better known for her play on the basketball court, where she was a first-team 2A all-state selection as a sophomore (injuries derailed her junior season) and plans to play collegiately. She also is a standout setter for the Tigers, finishing with 347 assists, 131 kills, 178 digs and 36 aces as a junior and making the all-state second team. Coach Raelyn Freitag has switched to a 5-1 this season to take better advantage of Senn’s setting skills. “Katelyn has been our captain the last two years and is the epitome of a leader,” Freitag said.
S/MB Kadence Soto, Scio, senior
Soto is a three-time all-PacWest Conference selection, making the first team last fall and earning 3A all-state honorable mention and drawing interest from several Oregon colleges. “Kadence is a dynamic player and team leader,” said Loggers coach Lori Ramsay.
S/RS Ashelyn Stanley, West Salem, junior
Stanley made the all-Central Valley Conference second team last season, finishing the year with 392 assists, 105 kills, 190 digs and 32 aces to help the Titans get back to the 6A state playoffs. “Ashelyn runs our offense smoothly and with precision,” coach Scott Coons said. “She is wicked smart and can adjust on the fly to the chaos of this game.”
S/OH Nevaeh Thew, Echo, senior
Thew made the 1A all-state honorable mention list last fall as a six-rotation player in helping the Cougars reach the second round of the state playoffs. She finished the season with 238 kills, 232 assists, 190 digs, 41 aces and 21 blocks.
S/RS Ellis Underhill, Wilsonville, junior
Underhill had to step into a bigger role late in the 2022 season when injuries left the Wildcats down two starters. She played all six rotations during their run to a third-place finish at the 5A state tournament, ending the year with 403 assists, 126 digs, 58 aces, 50 kills and 16 blocks. “She was key in our finishing third,” coach Scott Thompson said. “She can dominate both offensively and defensively at the net.”
S Jordan Welsh, Liberty, senior
First-year Falcons coach Andy Levoe called Welsh “the point guard of our team and a critical team leader and offense runner for us to utilize the attackers we have.”
S Delainy Williams, Central Catholic, senior
With the graduation of SBLive Oregon first-teamer Mia Starr and junior Mia Hunt — the state’s No. 2 prospect in the class of 2025 according to Prep Dig — sidelined by injury, Williams will slide over from defensive specialist (where she was an all-Mt. Hood Conference second-team honoree last fall) to set for the Rams. First-year coach Kealia Rosa believes Williams’ play during the club season has prepared her for the challenge. “Delainy is stepping into a very big role for Central Catholic,” Rosa said. “Her positive attitude, deep understanding of the game and amazing setting skills are just a few reasons why she will help to lead the CC team to success.”
S Ashley Wright, Burns, senior
Wright is back for her third season as the Hilanders starter coming off a junior season that saw her move up from the 3A all-state second team to the first team, finishing with 912 assists, 161 digs and 90 aces. “Ashley is a very strong and powerful setter,” coach Paula Toney said. “She creates offense whether in or out of system.”
S Leila Yazd, Sunset, senior
Yazd picked up right where she left off last fall, when she was a third-team all-Metro League selection, handing out 70 assists and serving nine aces during the first couple weeks of the season.
S Tayler Ziegler, Grants Pass, senior
Ziegler made the all-Southwest Conference second team last season as a six-rotation player splitting time between setting and outside hitter, leading the team with 156 kills, 157 assists, 74 digs and 16 blocks. This season, her coach, Jamie Ziegler, will use her almost exclusively at setter, where the lefty also employs a devastating dump play. Tayler also is a top freestyle swimmer, placing sixth at the 6A state meet in the 50-yard free in February. “Tayler is a very versatile player and can play in any position she is needed,” Coach Ziegler said.
