2025 Wisconsin volleyball commit continues to grow versatile skill set

But when the University of Wisconsin volleyball commit arrived as a new member of Trish Samolinski's 16U 1st Alliance Volleyball squad last year, the Woodridge, Illinois-based club team needed depth in both the setting and hitter spots. Horner’s played both, so she had no preference. Whatever helped the team.

It helped that Horner is 6 foot 3 and has the ability to put up a good block as a right-side hitter or control a 5-1 offense as the setter. Horner, who recently completed her junior season at St. Francis (Ill.) High School, is no closer to making a decision on her position at the next level.

“That decision’s not really too set in stone,” she said.

If the Badgers want her to play right-side hitter, great. If she’s in the mix to play setter, which will see the addition of incoming freshmen Charlie Fuerbringer and Morgan Van Wie in the fall, that works for her as well.

“I'd be willing to do honestly whatever the team would need that specific year, or even day,” Horner said. “I think it's really fun and a cool opportunity to be able to do both.”

The Badgers commit had a busy summer after her commitment to Wisconsin in June. She spent time at the Team USA volleyball National Team Development Program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before participating in Wisconsin’s volleyball camp.

She played setter at both of those. That’s typically where she gravitates when it’s easier to spend her time in one area. But if a little extra time is required to maintain the versatility that jumped out to Badgers coach Kelly Sheffield in the recruiting process, that doesn’t bother her. Her club team usually runs separate position trainings, scheduled nicely for anyone who wants to double up. So Horner would go to the one for setters and the one for hitters.

“She's trained pretty hard in both,” Samolinski said.

As a taller setter, she can quick set middles and play at a faster pace because she’s more level with some of the hitters she’s setting. She also can provide a block most setters can’t. That’s what she provides on the right side, too. She always has played right-side hitter, and her skill on the block from that area is a plus, Samolinski said.

Horner has spent a lot of time on speed and agility training, just preparing for the college level.

“Recovering, resting… eating well, staying hydrated,” she said, “Just making sure my body is super healthy to prepare myself for the next four years.”

She attended the most recent National Team Development Program in Anaheim, California, right after Christmas and is focused on finishing her club season, taking things slow as she readies for a future with the Badgers. 

Horner had the opportunity to meet her fellow incoming setters, Fuerbringer and Van Wie, at last summer’s Wisconsin camp. She said she found both to be amazing people and amazing players, and she expects that the Badgers coaching staff will find ways to incorporate all three of them into matches, no matter where that may be. 

“I’m flexible to do whatever: Whether it's hit, set, 5-1 (or) 6-2,” Horner said. “I think all three of us are super talented, so I'm just excited to be able to train with each other and make each other better.”