ESPN analyst Katie George says Madison Lilley was the rare setter who could do everything well

Madison Lilley (left), the national player of the year, is an ESPY finalist. (UK Athletics Photo)

Former Louisville All-American setter Katie George knows just how special setter Madison Lilley of Kentucky has been the last four years.

“Madison Lilley is such an incredible setter. I am going to miss watching her play,” said Georgia, who covered the NCAA Volleyball Championship for ESPN.

George said she could appreciate those who believe Lilley — who was named national player of the year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association — is one of the best setters ever to play after she helped Kentucky win its first national championship this spring.

“Lauren Carlini (of Wisconsin) was probably the best setter of my time in college,” George said. “But certainly in terms of athletic ability …”

Lilley is one of the four finalists for the Best Female College Athlete Award at the ESPY’s along with Paige Bueckers (UConn women’s basketball), Jaelin Howell (Florida State women’s soccer), and Odicci Alexander (James Madison softball).

“It’s awesome she is a finalist and it would be so cool to see her win,” George, who still lives in Louisville, said. “I would be thrilled to see her get that.”

George said normally even the best college setters are deficient in at least one phase of play.

“I could not jump over a phone book, so I was a liability in the front row and I wasn’t the best defender,” George, the 2015 ACC Setter of the Year, said. “Madison Lilley was not a liability in any facet of the game.’

Lilley is UK’s all-time assists leader and led the nation in assists during UK’s national championship season.

“Some setters might have great hands, great ball control but are small and cannot block or might be a great blocker but not a great leader,” George said. “You never get the full package with a setter most of the time.

“Madison Lilley has every single trait you could ever want in a setter and that’s what makes her so special. Great leader, super athletic in the front row, can block as we saw in the Final Four. Obviously had incredible set location and tempo along with great vision. She was also such a phenomenal defender. There just was not anything she could not do.”