The Texas volleyball team is gearing up for a historic season as they aim to secure their spot in the history books by potentially winning their third consecutive national title. This feat has only been achieved once before by Penn State, who won four straight from 2007 to 2010. The Longhorns will have their first opportunity to showcase their skills and new lineup when they face UTSA in a preseason scrimmage at Gregory Gym on Saturday.
Head coach Jerritt Elliott, who has led the team to three national titles in his 23 seasons at the helm, acknowledges the challenges that come with a new team composition. With several new faces in the rotation and some key players missing from last season, finding a rhythm early on is a top priority for Elliott.
"This is a completely new team, and there is a lot of work that needs to be done," Elliott stated. "This is the deepest team that we’ve ever had, so there’s a lot of culture-building that’s going to have to take place in terms of my responsibility."
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, here are five things to watch for during Saturday’s scrimmage:
Middle Blocker Replacements: With the departure of All-American Asjia O’Neal and Bella Bergmark, the Longhorns will be looking for players to step up in the middle blocker position. Redshirt sophomore Marianna Singletary and freshman Ayden Ames are poised to take on larger roles and make an impact on the team.
Opposite Madisen Skinner: Madisen Skinner, the reigning VolleyballMag.com Player of the Year, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. The question remains, who will emerge as the most reliable attacker opposite Skinner? Players like Jenna Wenaas, Whitney Lauenstein, and Reagan Rutherford will be vying for that spot.
Averi Carlson’s Role: A two-time All-Big 12 setter at Baylor, Averi Carlson brings experience and versatility to the team. With Ella Swindle returning as a top setter, Carlson’s presence adds depth and options for the coaching staff.
Possible Breakout Candidates: Young players like Sydney Helmers, Jordyn Byrd, and Devin Kahahawai will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the rotation. Their performance during the preseason will be crucial in determining their role on the team.
- Handling a Deep Squad: With 20 players on the roster, Elliott faces the challenge of managing a deep squad and finding the right combinations for optimal chemistry on the court. The scrimmage will provide valuable insight into different lineups and player combinations.
As the Longhorns prepare to defend their title and make a run for a historic third consecutive national championship, Saturday’s scrimmage against UTSA will offer a glimpse into the team’s potential and what fans can expect in the upcoming season. The match will take place at 1 p.m. at Gregory Gymnasium and is free to the public, providing an exciting opportunity for fans to get their first look at the Texas volleyball team in action.