ABOUT US

Jesi Grisham-Perez, a former setter and coach started SetterU in 2015. The approach is simple: build a strong foundation from the get-go. We focus on fixing bad habits, getting reps in the right way, and staying motivated to keep improving. We know that greatness is all about the details, and our coaches are dedicated to teaching techniques used by the best coaches and players around the world. We are all about fueling the passion of volleyball players and big on perfecting the art of setting.

SetterU is becoming known as the go-to spot for setters who want to chase their dreams and reach their full potential as well as a community where we strive to build great people, not just great players. While we’re helping you up your game on the court, we’re also working on things like emotional intelligence, leadership, communication with teammates and coaches, etc. We’re all about character, integrity, and accountability, aiming to create not just high level setters but also empathetic leaders. Setters are crucial—they need to be consistent, trustworthy, and great communicators. As the key link between coaches and players, we want our setters to shine both on and off the court.

SetterU isn’t for everyone. We work with athletes who are self-driven and passionate about the sport. Our training is intense and designed for those who really want to level up their game. There are plenty of people who can toss balls and help you get reps, but we dig into the fine details and little things. We think this deep dive into the technical side is crucial for mastering such a specialized position.

OUR PROCESS

At SetterU, we keep our coach-to-player ratio low, so most of our sessions are in small groups. This setup lets us give each player more personalized attention. To get started, you’ll need to attend four classes before applying for a membership evaluation.

First, join our Intro to SetterU class. You’ll get a tour of our NEW, one-of-a-kind training facility, meet our coaches, and learn about our training style and key techniques. You’ll also be introduced to our staple drills and concepts we will work to master throughout your time in our program.

Next, you’ll take two Happy Hands classes. These 60-minute sessions, with up to 10 setters and 1-2 coaches, focus on improving your upper body position, hand shape, wrist flexion, and touch. We’ll give you a setter worksheet to work on at home between the sessions. We’ll be looking for progress when you come back for your second session.

After that, you’ll join an Open session. These 90-minute classes, with up to 6 setters and 2 coaches, let you practice your hands and work on lower body positioning, speed, balance, and footwork for different setting situations. You’ll work in pairs, small groups, and rotate through different stations, with each session offering something new.

If you think you’d be a good fit, you can apply for a membership evaluation. Jesi, our director, will review your skills, including communication, hands, feet, movement, set location, accuracy, and coach-ability. Not everyone will be accepted. If you’re not accepted, we still welcome you to attend Happy Hands and Open sessions. If we see that you’re making progress, working hard, and showing enthusiasm, we’ll invite you to join as a member. Please trust us that we are committed to each setter’s growth and believe that keeping groups small and like skilled athletes together ensures the best training experience for everyone.

OUR COACHES

Founder/Director

From Wimberley, TX, Jesi grew up with the game and brings 21 years of playing and coaching experience. She played for her Father, TGCA Hall of Fame Coach, Lee Grisham at Wimberley High School where they won three State Championships. Jesi received 3 State Tournament MVP awards, and was named a High School All-American by PrepVolleyball. As a sophomore, she was offered a full scholarship to Texas State University. Jesi played 2 seasons for the Bobcats and still currently holds the second best record for assists in a match with 82 assists. Jesi started her coaching career at St. Michael’s Academy in 2007 and spent 4 seasons there. She coached club volleyball for 10 seasons spending all but one season at Austin Performance and was named AP Coach of the Year in 2011. During that time, Jesi was a part of 4 teams who qualified for GJNC as she coached 15’s - 18’s at all levels. She started SetterU in 2015 and continues to train setters all around the country.

Jesi has directly and regularly trained multiple setters who played NCAA Volleyball at the following schools: Rice, LSU, Auburn, Tulsa, South Florida, Louisiana, Oregon State, North Florida, ORU, Lipscomb, UNLV, GCU, Dallas Baptist, North Texas, Abilene Christian, and others.

Jesi resides in North Austin with her husband of 10 years and their 13 year old Westie, Cali.

Jayson has grown up with the sport of volleyball. First playing at 11 yrs old in Canada, he has been involved with the sport for over 40 years. He coached his first Varsity team in Canada in 1993 and moved to Texas in 1994. After getting his teaching certification and teaching for 6 years, he became an assistant at Fredericksburg HS in 2003 before moving on to be the Varsity coach at Rockdale in 2006. Since then he has been the Varsity Coach at Stony Point, Cedar Creek and currently at Pflugerville High School. Jayson has taken every program he has led to the playoffs, often for multiple seasons. In addition, he has coached club volleyball for 16 seasons with AIM, Austin Performance and Austin Skyline helping almost 100 players achieve the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Jayson currently lives in Round Rock with his wife Amy, and their dog Cooper. Jayson believes in the refinement of skills and the process of creating good habits as the key to success in a player’s volleyball career.

Assistant Coach

Born and raised in Austin, TX, Avery started playing volleyball at the age of 10. She played for Austin Performance 15’s through 18’s and had Jesi and Lee Grisham as her coaches for 3 of those 4 seasons. Avery was the starting Varsity setter at Westlake High School her senior season and still holds the second best record for assists in a season. Avery went on to play club volleyball at The University of Texas at Austin where their team won the National Championship and Avery was named the MVP of the National Tournament. While in school at UT, Avery also coached at AP where she coached 16 Adidas with Mark Herrin, and their team won gold in the USA division at the GJNC National Tournament. Avery currently lives in Austin with her husband Keith (who also coaches volleyball) and their 3 dogs and works in the music industry.