Top 5 Setters Returning for 2025 Volleyball Season

My top five picks for this season’s return setters are listed here.

Last year, many of our very excellent setters graduated. Prominent All-American setters such as Emma Grome, Rachel Fairbanks, Kendra Wait, and Kami Miner have left. Only one name from my top five list from the previous year will remain the same in 2025. That’s Bergen Reilly from Nebraska.

1. Bergen Reilly, Nebraska

For two consecutive years, the 6-1 junior was named the Big Ten Setter of the Year. She recorded a team-high 17 double-doubles and helped the Huskers reach their greatest hitting percentage since 2016 with 11.08 assists per set. She has an amazing IQ for the game and excels at the net. It goes without saying you’ll be excited to watch her progress as a junior.

2. Izzy Starck, Penn State

Izzy Starck, the defending national champion and the current AVCA National Freshman of the Year, is ranked number two. She is among the top players in the nation, therefore you think anyone will disagree with me on this point. In her debut season, Starck recorded 1,483 assists and is incredibly agile, making improbable moves appear simple. I’m excited to see what she does in her second season with Kennedy Martin on the right side if she looked that good as a rookie. The Nittany Lions should expect big things in 2025.

3. Cabello Nayelis

Nayelis Cabello of Louisville is also on the list this year. Already, the 2024 ACC Freshman of the Year has shown herself to be a remarkable talent. Even though she lost 6-2 the previous season, she still had strong results. She may have a 5-1 record this season, but she is very versatile and exciting. I believe she will be one of the top setters in the country for many years to come.

4. Caroline Kerr, Tennessee

Caroline Kerr of Tennessee comes in at number four. So far in her career, she is averaging 11.02 assists per set. Her ability to lead a Tennessee team to unprecedented heights is demonstrated by her excellent court awareness and location.

5. Florida’s Alexis Stucky

Finally, Alexis Stucky of Florida is my choice. Stucky appeared to be one of the most attractive and technically competent setters we have ever seen when she made her debut her freshman year. Unfortunately, she sustained a season-ending injury in her sophomore year. She returned towards the end of the previous season and participated in 17 out of 31 games. Even though she wasn’t completely recovered, she looked fantastic when she entered the third set of an NCAA tournament match and went on to have 40 assists, seven digs, two aces, and one block in the victory. Even though she wasn’t fully recovered from her injury last year, I believe Stucky is among the best in the whole country right now.

Honorable mention

Charlie Fuerbringer’s continued development at Wisconsin excites me. I believe Cristin Cline has a lot of potential at Kansas. Averi Carlson at SMU, Ella Swindle at Texas, Zayna Meyer at UCLA, and more must be mentioned.