Some players demand attention with big kills and highlight-reel plays. Others let their game speak for itself.
Eden Thao falls into that second group.
As the setter in the Class of 2028, she has already begun building a strong foundation in one of Georgia’s top volleyball programs. As a member of Hebron Christian Academy and Jing Volleyball Club (JVC), Eden has spent the past year proving she belongs on the court against high-level competition, even as one of the younger players in the gym.
Setters rarely get the spotlight they deserve. They’re expected to know where every hitter wants the ball, make split-second decisions on every possession, and keep an offense running smoothly from the first serve to match point. It’s a position that requires confidence, leadership, and consistency, and those are qualities Eden continues to develop every time she steps on the floor.
As a freshman, she watched Brooke Thao lead Hebron Christian to a state championship in 2024. Watching and learning from one of the best setters in a winning culture is something many young athletes never get the opportunity to experience, but Eden has embraced it.
After helping lead the Lions to a GHSA Private School State Runner-Up finish last fall, Eden returns with valuable experience, growing confidence, and an even bigger opportunity to guide one of Georgia’s top programs back to the state championship match.
Her development hasn’t stopped with high school volleyball.
Competing year-round with Jing Volleyball Club has given Eden the chance to face some of the best players in the region while continuing to sharpen her decision-making and court awareness. The more she plays, the more comfortable she looks running an offense and creating opportunities for her teammates.
What also stands out is her composure. Whether she’s celebrating a big point or calmly delivering the next set, Eden carries herself with confidence. She understands that a setter’s job isn’t about individual recognition, it’s about helping everyone around her succeed.
That mindset has earned the trust of her coaches and teammates, and it’s one of the reasons she’s viewed as a player with tremendous potential over the next three years.
Like many Hmong athletes, Eden also gives back to the community by competing in Hmong volleyball tournaments, proudly representing the next generation of Hmong talent. Those experiences have allowed more people to see the player she’s becoming, while giving younger athletes someone they can look up to.
For now, she’s focused on getting better one practice, one match, and one season at a time.
And if her early career is any indication, don’t be surprised if Eden Thao becomes a name college coaches and the Hmong volleyball community hear a lot more in the years ahead.
Hmong CN Rising Star recognizes young Hmong athletes who are making an impact today while building toward an even brighter future. Eden Thao is certainly one to keep an eye on.