Fans will get their first glance of a revamped Texas volleyball squad noon Friday when the No. 5 Longhorns host Utah in a preseason scrimmage at Gregory Gymnasium.
The free event is open to the public with free parking at 105 E. 27th St., and it should serve as an introduction for a team with half of its players new to the program. Texas coach Jerritt Elliott, who led the Longhorns to back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023, signed five freshmen as part of the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class. He also welcomed three players in the transfer portal, including All-American attacker Torrey Stafford from Pittsburgh.
Can Elliott and his staff weld another championship contender after going 20-7 a year ago and reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament? Friday’s scrimmage marks a first step in what could be a long journey.
Here are three things to watch as Texas volleyball hosts Utah:
No pressure on Stafford, but all the 6-foot-2 newcomer has to do is replace one of the all-time Longhorns greats in departed outside hitter Madisen Skinner. But Stafford has shown she can carry a heavy load with 772 kills over the past two seasons for a powerhouse Pitt squad.
Can senior Devin Kahahawai consistently do the same? She may get the chance after firing a career-high 123 kills a year ago. Elliott also wants to evaluate a pair of prized freshmen at the pin in 6-3 Cari Spears and 6-3 Abby Vander Wal, the top two players in the nation for the 2025 class.
Texas suffered a late offseason blow in May when middle blocker Marianna Singletary transferred to UCLA. The departure of last season’s blocks leader leaves the Longhorns dangerously thin at the net, especially since sophomore Ayden Ames is the only returning middle with more than three blocks.
Third-year middle blocker Nya Bunton has consistently drawn praise from Elliott for her practice habits but has yet to make an impact during the regular season, and freshman Taylor Harvey is yet another top-five national recruit who may see immediate playing time.
Ball control proved problematic a year ago, especially compared to the exquisite passing displays during the Longhorns’ championship seasons. Elliott’s offseason moves to fortify the back row reflect that concern.
Both Ramsey Gary (Indiana) and Anja Kujundzic (Virginia Commonwealth) started last season for their respective teams. Factoring in three-year starter Emma Halter, Texas now has three liberos on its roster who have earned all-conference honors. With that wealth of riches at arguably the team’s deepest position, Elliott has some decisions to make with a backrow rotation that no longer includes the graduated Keonilei Akana or former Westlake star Reese Emerick.