The postseason in 2024 didn’t end on a high note for the Texas Longhorns volleyball program. The former NCAA had a record of 20-7 in the regular season and reached the NCAA Regional semifinal for the 19th season in a row. But it never displayed the much-known Longhorns supremacy. However, someone in the program tried her best to keep the Longhorns in the fight for the title. If the Texas Volleyball program had won the NCAA volleyball title last season, it would be their third championship title in a row. But nothing went as planned. And now, fans are feeling more shocked by that player’s decision. 

On January 9, Lincoln Arneal, the sports journalist, broke the news of Averi Carlson’s shift to SMU for her final collegiate year. The 5’11” setter had been the key player in the Longhorns’ setup last year. But now she is packing her bag. The fans found it hard to reconcile with her decision. One such fan wrote on X, “This is WILD. Sam and her team are doing WORK.” The SMU Mustangs volleyball team experienced a remarkable season last year. At times, they emerged as formidable opponents, taking down stronger teams. How?

During the regular season, the Mustangs upset many computations. The program’s home run record was 12-6. However, in away matches, it took it to a new level. Ultimately, it had a 12-2 record in road matches. Furthermore, SMU volleyball defeated the top-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers during the regular season. It had a 25-win campaign last season. Fireworks like these kept the team energized, and it advanced to the NCAA volleyball championship second round. Nevertheless, SMU will push forward with its goal of advancing in the NCAA volleyball standings next season. The process of assembling the final team for the upcoming season has already begun to accelerate. But which specialization did Avery Carlson present to join SMU?

The Texas native joined the Longhorns after finishing two successful seasons at Baylor. She was among the top recruits in the nation while signing up for Baylor. Also, in 2023, she earned a place on the AVCA All-Southwest Region First Team and the All-Big-12 Second Team. So in 2024, when she joined the Longhorns, fans manifested high hopes for her. Avery stood up to those expectations. 

In the entire 2024 season, Averi set up 787 assists and 164 digs. In the Longhorns’ final 10 matches, the setter gained the primary role in the program’s rotation. The added responsibility made her more sharpened. In those 10 matches, she made 411 assists, averaging 11.46 per set. She registered 41 assists in the Longhorns’ last match in the postseason last year. She had to fill in Ella Swindle’s place in the lineup, and Carlson was successful in that job. Notably, Swindle had been on the bench most of the time last season. But the sweet story didn’t last long. 

On December 26 last year, Averi Carlson entered the transfer portal. She was ready to change her program for the third time in her collegiate career. And now she has become the Longhorns’ former setter. Volleyball fans have different takes on the matter. 

The Texas volleyball program’s transfer makes the fans wonder 

“Massive pick up for @SMUVolleyball, who seems to have reloaded yet again with a plethora of new transfers for 2025,” Michella Chester wrote on X after the news. Being the host of NCAA Digital, she had the opportunity to notice Averi Carlson’s development as a player and her role in the Texas volleyball program’s success last year. On that basis, she called the transfer a monumental move. But Averi Carlson is not the only big name to be roped in by the SMU Mustangs for next season. It has a few others. Example?

The program has four big names, showing their commitment to joining the program last season. From USC, the program has Jadyn Livings and Favor Anyanwu. On the other hand, the top kill scorer on Auburn’s list, Madison Scheer, has expressed her commitment to joining the program. The trio has Jordyn Schilling, the Big South Libero of the Year, to follow their path. And now, Averi will make it a five-member team. A volleyball fan noticed this and penned, “Love this !!!!” on X. But there will also be a few knee-jerk moments. 

An X-user reminded the Texas Longhorns volleyball community by adding in the comment box, “Interesting. Well Baylor plays against smu next year, but luckily it is a nonconference match.” If Averi finds a place in that game, she will have to face multiple opponents in the arena that day. The fight with her own will surely be the one. Nonetheless, a few fans had expected her moves beforehand. One such fan chimed in on X, “I guessed right lol. I had a bet on that one.” Did SMU coach Sam Erger give any hint or did Averi share a bit? Hardly anyone knows. But the setter is now on the way to join another Texas team, and it is not the Longhorns anymore.