Decision '26: Setter Special with Long, Thiebaud, and Hoppe

Decision ‘26

What they are getting

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Tonight on our daily recap of verbal commitments for the class of 2026, we are featuring a setter special in the ACC. Three of the nation's best setters have committed to continue their volleyball careers on the east coast, including two rival universities.

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Eva Long Setter Legacy - NC State University, Wolves

With a deep setter class this year, Long may not get as much recognition as she deserves. She will be headed to NC State, a program that has made some smoke this past season. Long is a creative offensive setter, highly impressive athlete who has gained attention from other ACC schools.

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Last year she was named a Club All-American for her leadership skills on the court and setting mechanics. Long is everything a college program wants in a setter, she has fast footwork that allows her to get her hands on the ball off net and she has strong hands for a clean location. Her delivery is as smooth as it gets and her ability to create different tempos has led her team to many championships.

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Isabelle Hoppe Setter AVC - University of Pittsburgh, Panthers

Looking to repeat at the Final Four for the second year in a row, Pitt verbals the #2 setter in the class and the #19 overall recruit according to Prepdig. Hoppe has shined as a standout athlete over the years, a slightly undersized setter who plays with a lot of height.

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Hoppe see’s the game at a high level and has acquired knowledge from her time in the USA gym. She is dynamic with her second contact and ability to reach for tight balls at the net, whether on the run or off balanced Hoppe manages to keep great location. Hoppe is quick on defense in the back row and has good footwork to get off the net in transition, a big time recruit for the Panthers.

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Blair Thiebaud Setter Houston Skyline - University of Louisville, Cardinals

Thiebaud stands out for her length at the setting position, coming in at 6’0, Thiebuad is able to hold blockers at the net with her high release point. Not to mention her ability to attack on the net, she is aggressive with tight balls and has a great feel for the offensive game as a setter, she knows when to pull the trigger.

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Louisville has had a few high level setters through the past couple of years, and Thiebuad will fit right in with their style of play. She is a supportive teammate and values the feedback of her attackers. Already running an effective offense for Houston Skyline with some big time attackers, Thiebaud knows how to make those around her better and when paired with the best from Louisville that is dangerous for the ACC.

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