Texas volleyball entered the season ranked No. 2 in the nation with aspirations of competing for their first national championship since 2023. Since then, Texas has played a grueling nonconference schedule that includes seven currently ranked teams, four of which are in the top 10.
Texas went 4–4 in its early season stretch, falling to No. 7 ahead of conference play. Struggles came early with a slow start against Arizona State and a season-ending knee injury to sophomore outside hitter Abby Vander Wal against TCU. Those early-season struggles gave Texas areas to improve during its short break before starting Southeastern Conference play.
Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott has been very vocal about wanting to be at the forefront of a change in serving in women’s volleyball. Texas’ style has been more aggressive with their serves in hopes of pushing defenses out of position and generating more offense earlier in rallies.
“We’ve had some kids increase their velocity by up to 6 mph,” Elliott said before the season. “If we can be consistent at that, we know we’re going to do that, but we’ll go on some point runs and put a lot of pressure on teams.”
Texas’ top-spin serves require the ball to be hit higher both on the ball and in the air in order to generate the spin while still making it over the net.
The Longhorns have not yet perfected the technique so far this season, but they have gotten better at it. Texas had 41 service errors through its first two games this season. Since then, Texas has averaged around 11 service errors per game. The numbers still aren’t where they need to be, but Texas is no longer giving away points at an alarming rate. Jumping into SEC play, Texas will need to show continued improvement from behind the service line.
Texas’ success also lies heavily on its setting. Texas has dynamic threats with outside hitters sophomore Cari Spears and senior Torrey Stafford. The difficulty has been giving them the ball in a position to consistently do big damage.
Spears has had 18 kills in each of the last two games, tying her career high, while Stafford has had 18 and 16 kills, respectively, her second-most this season. Spears and Stafford can generate kills on their own, but they become even better with great sets. If Texas can scheme to maximize Spears and Stafford, conference play will be much easier.
Following the injury to Vander Wal, Texas has had to solidify a new rotation. Freshman outside hitter Henley Anderson has stepped up in a big way, providing stability in the gap left by the injury.
In addition to Anderson, the Longhorns have found stability in a trio of young depth players: freshman setter Genevieve Harris, sophomore defensive specialist Callie Krueger and sophomore middle blocker Taylor Harvey.
“It’s been good to see the freshman … grow and develop,” Stafford said. “That will definitely be our little secret weapon.”
The Longhorn depth’s ability to slide in and out of the lineup helps rest starters and keep opposing defenses guessing. This surplus of young talent will be important for Texas, not only going into conference play but also in the years ahead.
Texas begins SEC play against No. 13 Tennessee in Knoxville on Friday at 6 p.m. CT.