{"id":88996,"date":"2025-12-15T20:36:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T20:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/88996\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T20:36:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T20:36:23","slug":"four-year-starter-leaves-legacy-for-texas-volleyball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/88996\/","title":{"rendered":"Four-year starter leaves legacy for Texas volleyball"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) leads the team down the net after the loss to Wisconsin in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns bench watches from the sideline during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns react to a Wisconsin score during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) tips the ball over the net during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns play Wisconsin in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns head coach Jeritt Elliott walks the court during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns celebrate a score during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) spikes the ball during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns middle blocker Ayden Ames (5) and outside hitter Abby Vander Wal (6) miss a block during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Fans<\/p>\n

Fans wait in line for the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match between Texas and Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns middle blocker Nya Bunton (55) serves the ball during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) spikes the ball during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) spikes the ball during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) returns a serve during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) spikes the ball during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns take the court for the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) celebrates a score during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23) and middle blocker Nya Bunton (55) block a spike by Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) spikes the ball during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23) and middle blocker Taylor Harvey (10) miss a spike by Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Cari Spears (23) and middle blocker Taylor Harvey (10) miss a spike by Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Ramsey Gary (32) and setter Rella Binney (3) holds hands during a serve in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) celebrates a score during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns bench watches from the sideline during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) serves during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns huddle on the court after the loss to Wisconsin in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Wisconsin<\/p>\n

Wisconsin fans cheer immediately after the defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Wisconsin<\/p>\n

Wisconsin players cheer immediately after the defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Wisconsin<\/p>\n

Wisconsin setter Morgan Van Wie (8) hugs setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) after beating the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Wisconsin<\/p>\n

Wisconsin players celebrate beating the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Wisconsin<\/p>\n

Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) holds the NCAA Regional Championship trophy after beating the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

As the Texas volleyball<\/a> players and coaches filed back to their locker room one last time this season at Gregory Gymnasium, no one recorded the screams from senior libero Emma Halter<\/a> after the wrenching 3-1 loss Sunday to Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

No tears of pain got caught on camera, no cries of frustration went viral.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) serves during the match against Kentucky at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) serves as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.<\/p>\n

Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) celebrates a point as Texas volleyball plays Indiana in a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament match in Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The Longhorns will advance to Elite Eight with a 3-0 win.<\/p>\n

Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) celebrates a score during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

But Longhorns fans don\u2019t need a video to understand the passion that Halter brought to the court during her four years at Texas. Her style of play on the back row \u2014 floor burns, diving pancakes, impromptu hugs with her teammates \u2014 said it all.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe’s given so much to this program,\u201d Texas coach\u00a0Jerritt Elliott said after Sunday\u2019s loss in the NCAA Tournament regional finals<\/a>. \u201cShe shows up every single day, is great with her teammates, has lots of respect for herself and her family and the people around her, and I\u2019m just so proud of her for wearing the jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) high-fives her teammates before taking the court against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Sept. 24, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

The stoic Elliott then had to take a moment to collect his emotions while glancing at Halter, who was sitting alongside him during the\u00a0postgame interview.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be hard to replace her,\u201d he said. \u201cI don’t know how we will, not just as a player, but as a person. She’s someone that means a lot to me in this program, and I\u2019m just crushed that I can’t get her to the Final Four right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: Jerritt Elliott excited about new Texas volleyball arena, says it may open for 2029 season<\/a><\/p>\n

Like she does on the court, Halter balanced her passion with poise postmatch. After she unleashed her emotions outside of the Texas locker room, she joined Elliott to discuss the Longhorns\u2019 loss as well as her legacy with the program.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m devastated,\u201d Halter said. \u201cThis place is so special, and this program is the most incredible thing that’s ever happened to me.\u00a0Jerritt recruiting me here was the biggest blessing of my life. So, I’m really upset, but I’ve met my best friends, and I’ve had incredible memories. I’m really sad, but there’s so much blessing and so many memories that has come out of my four years here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) returns a serve during the NCAA Regional Final volleyball match against Wisconsin at Gregory Gym on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

Emma Halter’s record at Texas: 102-16, 2 NCAA titles<\/p>\n

There\u2019s been plenty of wins, too. Halter, an Indiana native, served as a defensive specialist for the Texas team that rolled to the 2022 national championship, and she took over as the full-time libero in 2023 while helping Texas defend its crown. Overall, she helped lead the Longhorns to a 102-16 record in her four seasons, including a 17-2 mark with the two titles in the NCAA Tournament. Her 1,307 career digs rank No. 8 on the Longhorns\u2019 all-time list.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Replicating those lofty numbers could happen again for a loaded\u00a0Texas program<\/a> that looks poised to remain a national contender for years to come. But replacing Halter\u2019s energy, exuberance and undeniable locker-room vibes is almost impossible, Elliott said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmma being a senior is \u2014 and losing her \u2014 is super devastating to me,\u201d Elliott said. \u201cShe came in as a young lady, we didn’t know what to expect for her, and she led us to a national championship her freshman year. Second year, she did the same thing as the libero. She took the position over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns libero Emma Halter (2) digs in the second set against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Sept. 24, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

Texas prepares to move on without Emma Halter<\/p>\n

But Halter, one of three seniors on the 2025 team, says the next generation of Longhorns seems ready to take things over for themselves. Of the 12 players that saw action against Wisconsin, six were freshmen or sophomores.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Appreciate every experience as a Longhorn, Halter told her younger teammates after the loss. Be grateful for each practice, every road trip and everything in between.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought this day would come for me,\u201d said Halter, who will next play for the Indy Ignite of Major League Volleyball. \u201cI didn’t really want to accept that, so I told them to just soak in every single moment. But adversity does hit, and you just have to lean on the people around you.<\/p>\n

“I mean, we have incredible people on our staff as well as the \u00a0girls, the coaches recruit amazing people, so just leaning on everyone around you just really helps you every single day to keep a positive attitude and keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n

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