Hailey
The Emporia State Hornets Volleyball team is preparing for an exciting 2025 season. A big part of their success will depend on their setters – the players who organize the offense and make sure attackers get the perfect ball.
This year, Emporia State has a strong mix of experience and new energy at the setter position. With junior leader Brailee Bogle returning and freshman talent Delainee Dexter joining, the Hornets are ready to push forward in the MIAA conference.
This article will give you a full look at the setter lineup, their strengths, backgrounds, upcoming matches, and what fans can expect this season.
The Role of a Setter in Volleyball
In volleyball, the setter is often compared to a quarterback in football. They control the flow of the game by deciding who gets the ball and when. A good setter needs to have:
- Quick decision-making skills
- Strong leadership
- Consistency in passing
- Communication with teammates
For the Hornets, the setters will be central to whether the team can perform at its best against tough MIAA rivals.
Returning Leader: Brailee Bogle
One of the biggest strengths for Emporia State this season is the return of Brailee Bogle.
- She is a junior and has been a starter for two years.
- Twice named All-MIAA Honorable Mention.
- Ranked 4th in MIAA assists last season.
- Has 56 career matches played and 1,941 career assists.
Bogle has shown that she understands the Hornets’ offensive system and is ready to lead the team. Her height of 6’0” also gives her an advantage in blocking and setting over defenders.
Why Brailee is Important
- Her experience provides stability.
- She has become a team leader.
- Her ability to read defenses will help hitters score more points.
With her track record, fans can expect Bogle to continue being the backbone of the offense this season.
Rising Star: Delainee Dexter
On the other side, the Hornets have added freshman setter Delainee Dexter.
- She is from Goddard, Kansas.
- Graduated early from high school and enrolled in spring 2025.
- Will play both as a setter and right-side attacker.
- Known for being athletic, dynamic, and versatile.
Even though she is young, enrolling early gave Dexter time to train at the college level before her first full season. This head start has already helped her develop her game.
Why Delainee is Exciting
- She brings energy and new skills to the team.
- She can attack as well as set, making her multi-dimensional.
- She has the potential to grow into a star for Emporia State.
Dexter’s arrival means the Hornets have depth and flexibility at setter, which can be a big advantage against competitive teams.
Upcoming Matches
The Hornets’ 2025 schedule is set, and fans are eager to watch the team in action.
- First match: September 4, 2025, against Point Loma in San Diego, California.
- First home match: September 26, 2025, against Missouri Western – also the MIAA opener.
These matches will be an early test for the setters and a chance for both Bogle and Dexter to show their talent and teamwork.
Setter Group
Here’s a quick look at the Hornets’ setter group:
| Player | Position | Height | Year | Hometown | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brailee Bogle | Setter | 6-0 | Junior | Wichita, KS | Wichita Northwest HS |
| Delainee Dexter | Setter/Right-Side | 5-7 | Freshman | Goddard, KS | Goddard Eisenhower HS |
- One junior and one freshman.
- Both started their careers at Emporia State.
- Both players are from Kansas.
What This Means for Emporia State
The Hornets are lucky to have both experience and young talent in their setter lineup. Bogle provides the knowledge, control, and leadership that comes with years of playing. Dexter adds flexibility, energy, and a fresh approach to the game.
Together, they give Emporia State the ability to:
- Adjust to different opponents.
- Run both steady and creative offenses.
- Build a long-term future with strong players.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Emporia State Volleyball. With Brailee Bogle continuing her leadership and Delainee Dexter bringing fresh energy, the Hornets’ setter position looks strong and ready to compete in the MIAA conference.
Fans can expect a season filled with teamwork, growth, and competitive matches both at home and on the road. The combination of experience and youthful energy may be exactly what the Hornets need to achieve big results this year.