Stanford Volleyball Hitting & Setting Clinic Recap: Two Stanford Athletes, One Day of Elite Training
Top Tier Lessons and Academy Volleyball hosted the Stanford Volleyball Hitting & Setting Clinic on May 16, 2026, at Academy HQ in Redwood City and Academy North in Burlingame. More than 30 volleyball athletes trained with Stanford University Division I players Julia Blyashov and Logan Parks during two hours of position-specific instruction focused on hitting and setting development.
The Stanford Volleyball Hitting & Setting Clinic brought together athletes from across the Bay Area for a day focused on skill development, competition, and learning from two active Division I players.
Athletes had the opportunity to work closely with Julia and Logan from Stanford University, gaining valuable instruction while improving both their technical and tactical understanding of the game. With sessions running simultaneously at two Academy Volleyball locations, players at every level - from beginners to national-level competitors - got two full hours of position-specific coaching.
What Athletes Worked On
The Stanford Volleyball Hitting & Setting Clinic provided a unique opportunity for Bay Area volleyball athletes to receive instruction similar to what athletes experience at the Division I level. Through hands-on coaching, live demonstrations, and competitive drills, participants gained insight into the training methods used by collegiate volleyball players.
- Approach footwork, jump timing, and arm swing mechanics
- Hand position, finger placement, and setting release
- Line vs. angle hitting decisions and set variety (back sets, quick sets, shoot sets)
- Small-group instruction tailored to skill level
- Competitive drills including target hitting and queen of the court
- Game-like situations with real-time feedback from coaches
Meet the Coaches
Julia Blyashov
Stanford University - Outside Hitter
- ACC Champion, Pac-12 Champion and active Division I outside hitter at Stanford University
- Represented USA Volleyball internationally: Gold medalist with the 2024 U21 National Team, captained the 2023 U19 National Team to gold, gold at the 2022 Pan American Cup, and bronze at the 2021 World Championship
- Led hitting-focused sessions covering approach mechanics, arm swing, line/angle decisions, and live competitive rounds
- Shared personal insight on recruiting, what D1 coaches look for, and balancing athletics with academics at Stanford
Logan Parks
Stanford University - Setter
- Active Division I athlete and starting setter at Stanford University
- Represented USA Volleyball internationally: Gold at the U19 Pan Am Games in Puerto Rico (2023)
- Expertise in running a collegiate offense and setter-specific footwork
- Led setting sessions covering hand mechanics, court movement, set variety, and reading hitters
- Gave athletes a candid look at what it takes to play setter at the highest college level
Event Highlights
The energy at both locations was electric from the moment athletes stepped on the court. Julia walked hitters through full 4-step approach sequences with real-time corrections, while Logan demonstrated back sets and shoot sets before guiding each athlete through their own reps. Athletes competed in a 3-point hitting challenge - earning points for line, angle, and tip shots - and a target-setting competition with cones placed at outside, middle, and right side positions. The Q&A sessions were a standout moment at both sites, with athletes asking Julia and Logan everything from college recruiting timelines to what it actually feels like to compete at Stanford. The day wrapped with autograph lines and group photos, sending every athlete home with a memory to go along with the skills they picked up on the court.
What Participants Had to Say
"My daughter came home so inspired. Having a real Stanford player break down her approach step by step made all the difference."
"Logan was incredible with the setters - patient, detailed, and so knowledgeable. My son walked away with a completely new understanding of footwork."
"The Q&A was worth it alone. Hearing a D1 athlete talk about recruiting and what coaches actually look for was exactly what our 13-year-old needed to hear."
Looking Ahead
This event is part of Top Tier's commitment to connecting athletes with high-level coaching and development opportunities. Partnering with Academy Volleyball and bringing in active Stanford athletes is exactly the kind of experience we aim to create - elite instruction in a supportive, high-energy environment.
We look forward to hosting future events that continue to help athletes improve their skills, build confidence, and learn from experienced coaches.
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