While the college football world waits to see if Texas is back, the college volleyball world wonders if the Longhorns can run it back.
The Longhorn Legacy: Gold Standard in Big 12
Texas earned its fourth national title last season with a 28-1 season, and Jerritt Elliott’s program has long been the gold standard in the Big 12. Since 2007, the Longhorns have never lost more than two conference matches and only once lost more than five matches in a season. And they’re loaded with talent again this year, returning several of their hitters from last season to make a run at matching Stanford’s repeat wins in 2018 and 2019. Can they pull it off?
Dominating the Net: Texas’ Towering Talent
It’s hard to beat anyone when you get outhit by over 150 percentage points. That’s what Texas did to its opponents last year, hitting .336 to opponents’ .163. The Longhorns’ height at the net is ridiculous, with the 6’5” Molly Phillips and 6’3” Asjia O’Neal essentially forming a wall that opponents cannot get around. Texas does lose player of the year Logan Eggleston, but the Longhorns still have Madi Skinner and added Jenna Wenaas from Minnesota to swing away near the net. If a good ball comes anywhere near the net, someone in burnt orange is likely to get a hand on it and send it where it needs to go.
The Freshman Factor: Ella Swindle’s Impact
On paper, Texas’ celebrated freshman setter has everything needed to become a genuine star at the college level. She’s been named all-state in high school three years running and was a first-team high school All-American in her senior year. With a track record like hers, many believe she will seamlessly transition into the collegiate environment. Plus, as mentioned above, if she provides even decent setting, Texas has more than enough weapons to allow her to grow into the job. But that said, this is Texas and the expectations for this group are to make a run at another national title. That’s hard to do with an inexperienced setter, regardless of talent. Swindle’s play will be key to whether Texas can claim another national title. If she’s able to adjust to college living and connect with her hitters over the next three months, the title will be Texas’ to lose.