Texas volleyball made headlines as three of its players earned All-America honors, with standout junior Torrey Stafford leading the charge.
The Longhorns have now added a first-team selection to their roster of elite athletes, underscoring the program’s continued rise in national prominence.
Stafford, who transferred from Pitt, delivered a season that propelled Texas to the Elite Eight and earned her second consecutive first-team All-America title.
Her performance was highlighted by 516 kills-sixth-most in program history-33 service aces, 580.5 points, a .360 hitting percentage, 4.69 kills per set, and 52 blocks, including 11 solo.
Texas landed three players on the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America Team, a rare accomplishment that showcases the depth of talent within the program.
The selections include a first-team honor for Stafford, a third-team spot for freshman Cari Spears, and an honorable mention for senior libero Emma Halter.
This trio of accolades reflects both individual excellence and the collective strength of the Longhorns’ roster.
Their achievements were announced during the September 24 press briefing in Austin, Texas.
Torrey Stafford, a junior in her first season with the Longhorns after transferring from Pitt, garnered her second consecutive first-team All-America honor after an outstanding season.
Stafford led the team with 516 kills, placing her sixth in program history for that metric, and she also recorded 33 service aces and 580.5 points.
Her hitting percentage stood at .360, and she averaged 4.69 kills per set while registering 52 blocks, of which 11 were solo.
These statistics underscore Stafford’s pivotal role in Texas’s deep run to the Elite Eight.
- 516 kills (sixth-most in program history)
- 33 service aces
- 580.5 points
- .360 hitting percentage
- 4.69 kills per set
- 52 blocks (11 solo)
Freshman Cari Spears was named to the third team as an opposite, marking a significant milestone for the young player and the program.
Spears started every match for the Longhorns, racking up 358 kills and averaging 3.24 kills per set throughout the season.
Her hitting percentage was .295, a solid performance for a first-year player in a highly competitive conference.
Spears’ consistency provided the Longhorns with a reliable offensive option from the opposite position.
- 358 kills
- 3.24 kills per set
- .295 hitting percentage
- Started every match
Senior libero Emma Halter earned an honorable mention distinction, adding a defensive anchor to the team’s All-America representation.
Halter recorded 396 digs, 167 set assists, and 24 service aces during the season, showcasing her all-around skill set.
In her four seasons with Texas, she tallied 1,307 digs, ranking eighth-most in program history, and she broke the program record for most digs in a three-set match with 25 against Florida A&M in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Halter’s defensive prowess was a key factor in Texas’s competitive play throughout the season.
- 396 digs
- 167 set assists
- 24 service aces
- 1,307 digs total (four seasons)
- 25 digs in a three-set match vs. Florida A&M
Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison was named the Coach of the Year, highlighting the competitive landscape of the conference.
Kentucky setter Kassie O’Brien was tabbed the Freshman of the Year, indicating a strong cohort of emerging talent across the region.
The Player of the Year award will be announced Friday, adding anticipation to the season’s awards cycle.
These recognitions reflect the high level of performance and coaching across the collegiate volleyball community.
- Texas earned three All-America selections, including a first-team honor.
- Torrey Stafford led the team with 516 kills and 580.5 points.
- Emma Halter set a program record with 25 digs in a single three-set match.
Texas’s journey to the Elite Eight was marked by disciplined play and clutch performances, culminating in a victory over a top-seeded opponent in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Longhorns advanced through the regional bracket before facing a formidable opponent in the Elite Eight, where their run ultimately ended.
Stafford’s leadership and offensive output were instrumental in each of the team’s victories leading up to that stage.
The experience gained in high-stakes matches is expected to benefit the program in future seasons.
Stafford’s transfer from Pitt brought a seasoned attacker to the Longhorns, and her immediate impact was felt across the court.
In her debut season, she not only matched but surpassed many of the team’s previous statistical leaders.
Her ability to perform under pressure, especially during set-winning plays, elevated the team’s competitive edge.
The coaching staff praised her adaptability and work ethic as key factors in her rapid integration.
Spears’ role as opposite was defined by her consistency and reliability, starting every match and providing a steady offensive threat.
Her 358 kills and .295 hitting percentage demonstrate her effectiveness in high-volume situations.
Spears also contributed defensively with solid digs and assists, showing versatility beyond her primary position.
Her performance set a benchmark for future players in the opposite role.
Halter’s record-breaking 25 digs in a three-set match against Florida A&M highlighted her defensive acumen and stamina.
Breaking the program’s previous record for digs in a single match underscored her importance to the team’s defensive strategy.
Over four seasons, her 1,307 digs placed her eighth in program history, reflecting sustained excellence.
Her leadership in the backcourt contributed to the team’s overall success.
Jamie Morrison’s recognition as Coach of the Year underscores the strength of the Texas A&M program within the conference.
Morrison’s coaching philosophy emphasizes both technical skill and mental toughness, traits that resonate across the league.
The award highlights the competitive nature of collegiate volleyball and the high standards set by top coaches.
His achievement brings additional attention to the program’s coaching staff.
Kassie O’Brien’s selection as Freshman of the Year showcases the depth of emerging talent in the conference.
O’Brien’s performance as a setter has been pivotal for her team’s offensive organization.
Her recognition alongside Texas’s All-America selections reflects the broader competitive landscape of collegiate volleyball.
The award anticipates her continued development over the coming seasons.
The Player of the Year award will be announced Friday, adding a final layer of excitement to the awards cycle.
This announcement will determine the standout player among the national elite.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for the culmination of the season’s accolades.
The timing of the announcement aligns with the conclusion of the regular season and tournament play.
The Longhorns’ accumulation of All-America honors, coupled with the coaching and freshman recognitions, signals a bright future for Texas volleyball.
The program’s ability to attract top talent and develop players is evident in the season’s achievements.
These accolades position the team as a perennial contender in national tournaments.
Continued focus on player development and recruitment is expected to sustain this momentum.
Texas volleyball’s recent accolades reflect a blend of seasoned experience and youthful promise, creating a dynamic and competitive team.
With key players earning national recognition and coaching staff receiving top honors, the program is poised for continued success.
The upcoming Player of the Year announcement will further highlight the talent within the conference.
As Texas prepares for the next season, the foundation laid this year promises to drive future achievements.
