The volleyball setter is a fundamental and crucial part of the team, as she is responsible for distributing the ball to her team’s attackers. So there are various strategies involved: you need to understand the individual skills of each player and decide on the best attacking option in each situation. As a tribute to this very important position, we’ve listed the best female volleyball setters in history.
Being a volleyball setter involves tactical coordination (since you have to read the opposition’s defense, make tactical adjustments and communicate instructions to the players on the court) and even leadership skills.
Another important part of being a setter is acting as a link between the different players on the team. And now that you know more about this position, follow our complete list!
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The best female volleyball lifters in history
Fernanda Venturini
Fernanda Venturini is considered one of the best volleyball setters in history due to her phenomenal vision and leadership skills. Throughout her career, she has played for several top teams, including the Brazilian national team, with which she won gold medals at the 1992 and 2008 Olympic Games, as well as numerous titles in international competitions.
Hélia Souza
Hélia Souza (also known as Fofão), also from Brazil, is revered for her versatility and ability to distribute the game. As part of the Brazilian national team, Helia won several important titles, including gold medals at the Pan American Games and the World Championships.
Dani Lins
The Brazilian is recognized for her exceptional technical ability and her leadership skills on the court. As one of the world’s leading volleyball setters, she has contributed significantly to the success of the Brazilian national team in numerous international competitions. Her achievements include gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, as well as titles at the World Championships and Grand Prix.
Nootsara Tomkom
Nootsara Tomkom is considered one of Thailand’s best volleyball setters due to her distribution skills and tactical intelligence. She has led the Thai team to several achievements at Asian and international level, including medals at Asian championships and appearances at the Olympic Games.
Maja Ognjenović
Maja Ognjenović, Serbia’s representative, is recognized for her exceptional vision and leadership skills. Her precision and setting ability have allowed her to guide the Serbian team to several achievements, including the European Women’s Volleyball Championship title in 2011 and a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Ding Xia
China’s Ding Xia is revered for her refined technique and ability to elevate her team’s game. As one of China’s best setters, Ding has contributed to numerous victories, including the 2015 Women’s Volleyball World Championship title and a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Ana Antonijević
Serbia’s Ana Antonijević is renowned for her precision and tactical intelligence. Her ability to distribute the game effectively and adapt to the team’s needs has contributed to the Serbian national team’s success in international competitions, including winning the European Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2017.
Laura Dijkema
Laura Dijkema, from the Netherlands, is revered for her leadership skills and exceptional vision of the game. Her ability to read the game and make quick, precise decisions has made her one of the best volleyball setters in history, contributing to the Dutch team’s success in international competitions.
Macris Carneiro
Macris Carneiro, from Brazil, is considered one of the best setters due to her technical ability and leadership on the court. Her ability to distribute the game effectively and motivate her team to achieve their best performance has contributed to numerous victories, including the Women’s Volleyball World Cup title in 2023.
Joanna Wołosz
Joanna Wołosz is an outstanding Polish setter, known for her technical ability and leadership on the court. She has played a key role in Poland’s national team, contributing to several achievements, including medals at European championships and appearances at the Olympic Games. Her ability to distribute the game effectively and adapt to the team’s needs make her one of the best setters in the world.
Courtney Thompson
Courtney Thompson is an American setter known for her technical ability and leadership on the court. She has been a key member of the US national team, contributing to several achievements, including the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Koyomi Tominaga
An outstanding Japanese setter, Koyomi Tominaga is known for her precision and tactical intelligence on the court. She has been a key member of Japan’s national team, contributing to the team’s success in various international competitions.
Wei Qiuyue
Wei Qiuyue is a lift player who has been a key member of China’s national team, contributing to the team’s success in various international competitions, including winning the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Alisha Glass
Alisha Glass is a talented setter from the USA and has already had a significant impact on the US national team and international clubs. Certainly one of the best volleyball setters in history. Representing the USA, Glass has won numerous major titles, including the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Miyashita Haruka
Miyashita Haruka is a Japanese powerlifter who has been a key member of Japan’s national team, contributing to the team’s success in various international competitions, including winning medals at Asian championships and taking part in the Olympic Games.
List: the 15 best female volleyball lifters in history
- Fernanda Venturini (Brazil)
- Helia Souza (Brazil)
- Dani Lins (Brazil)
- Nootsara Tomkom (Thailand)
- Maja Ognjenović (Sérvia)
- Ding Xia (China)
- Ana Antonijević (Sérvia)
- Laura Dijkema (Netherlands)
- Macris Carneiro (Brazil)
- Joanna Wolosz (Polônia)
- Courtney Thompson (USA)
- Koyomi Tominaga (Japan)
- Wei Qiuyue (China)
- Alisha Glass (United States)
- Miyashita Haruka (Japan)
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