Unveiling Cincinnati's Top Volleyball Setters: The Maestros of the Court
Skylr Estep: The Architect of Beechwood's Record-Breaking Season
Skylr Estep played a pivotal role in one of Beechwood's most successful volleyball seasons in program history. Her impressive statistics included 936 assists, ranking her 17th statewide, alongside significant contributions in digs, aces, kills, and blocks. Estep's leadership helped the Tigers achieve a 33-6 record, secure the All "A" state championship, and advance in the Ninth Region tournament for the first time since 2017. Recognized with an all-state honorable mention, she has committed to the University of Virginia at Wise.
Kelsey Green: A Core Talent for Ursuline's Consistent Success
Kelsey Green stands out as one of Ursuline's four exceptional juniors, contributing to a program that has seen four state tournament appearances and three titles in the past decade. Ranked No. 6 in Ohio for her class, Green's 2025 season included 897 assists, 284 digs, 43 kills, 37 aces, and 27 blocks. Her performance earned her spots on the Girls Greater Catholic League and DIII all-district first teams, as well as an all-state honorable mention.
Kendall Hubbard: Mount Notre Dame's Catalyst for State Tournament Return
Kendall Hubbard's return to her natural setting position was instrumental in Mount Notre Dame's return to the state tournament in 2025. She topped the GGCL with 909 assists, complemented by 265 digs, 105 kills, 34 aces, and 27 blocks. As a Miami University commit, Hubbard was honored with selections to the all-league and DII all-district first teams.
Madelyn Keipert: St. Henry's Rising Star Leading the Charge
Despite graduating five seniors, St. Henry is poised for continued competitiveness, largely due to Madelyn Keipert. Ranked 10th in Kentucky for her class, Keipert's sophomore season was remarkable, with 879 assists, 274 digs, 147 kills, 45 blocks, and 34 aces. Her leadership was evident as St. Henry nearly clinched the Ninth Region final against Notre Dame, pushing them to five sets.
Abby Keller: Fenwick's Key Player in the Pursuit of State Glory
With McNicholas moving to DIII, Fenwick is expected to be a top contender in DIV, driven by a strong senior class and the talent of Abby Keller. Keller led the Greater Catholic League-Coed with 558 assists in 2025, adding 157 digs and 32 aces. Her contributions earned her spots on the GCL-Coed and District 15 DIV second teams, as the Falcons eye their second state tournament appearance in three years.
Penelope Reisman: Seton's New Leader in Quest for Third State Title
Penelope Reisman, Seton's junior setter, is stepping into a primary leadership role as the team aims for its third consecutive state championship. Recognized as the top-ranked player in Ohio for her class, Reisman recorded 422 assists, 147 digs, and 33 aces in 2025, and has committed to the University of Cincinnati.
Maria Schulte: McNicholas' Essential Component for Continued Success
Maria Schulte is a vital part of McNicholas' offensive arsenal as they seek back-to-back state titles. The Duquesne University commit finished her junior year with 537 assists, 176 digs, 54 aces, and 14 kills, earning a GCL-Coed honorable mention for her precise ball placement.
Anabelle Seni: Kings' Experienced Setter with Impressive Career Milestones
Anabelle Seni enters her third year as Kings' starting setter, building on an already impressive career total of over 1,600 assists. A key player in the Knights' 2025 district champion team, she contributed 827 assists, 146 digs, 96 kills, 57 blocks, and 28 aces. Seni was named to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference second team and all-district second team.
Kylie Stutzman: Taylor's Versatile Player and League Dominator
Kylie Stutzman, a two-time Cincinnati Hills League Player of the Year and reigning District 16 DIV Player of the Year, is a multi-talented force for the Yellowjackets. While committed to the University of Findlay as a setter, she also led the CHL with 362 kills in 2025, alongside 554 assists, 251 digs, 71 blocks, and 59 aces. Her contributions have propelled Taylor to a dominant 43-4 record over the last two seasons, including an undefeated league play streak.
Additional Talents to Watch in the 2026 Volleyball Season
Beyond these highlighted athletes, a strong contingent of other setters are poised to make significant impacts in the 2026 season. These include Kennedy Baker from Lakota East, Mya Bosse from Ross, Jenna Brown from Clermont Northeastern, Kenna Farris from Harrison, Emma Guth from West Clermont, Lacey Hunt from Holy Cross, Shylyn Koerber from Conner, Faith Lockhart from Simon Kenton, Madi Long from Milford, Mandy Ludwick from Turpin, Lila McCarty from Western Brown, Natalia McGlynn from Calvary Christian, Emma McGraw from Roger Bacon, Dee Dee O'Malley from Madeira, Ellie Osterkamp from Notre Dame, Aubrey Rebholz from Bishop Brossart, Rose Rodriguez from Fairfield, Elle Seichter from Madeira, Macee Steele from Goshen, Ava Thelen from Mercy McAuley, and Meredith Walker from Summit Country Day. Each of these players is expected to showcase exceptional skill and leadership on the court.
Lucy Waleskowski: St. Ursula's Freshman Phenom Making a Mark
Lucy Waleskowski, despite being a freshman libero in the competitive GGCL, has already proven her exceptional talent. Ranked as the top player in Ohio for her class, Waleskowski was third in the league with 711 assists, complemented by 268 digs, 152 kills, 43 aces, and 36 blocks. Her ability to consistently deliver 40 assists per game, including a career-high of 51 against Mount Notre Dame, earned her a spot on the all-league first team and all-district third team.
