The Texas Longhorns‘ incredible dominance at the NCAA volleyball tournament ended this season. After winning two back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, they got knocked out in the regional semifinals, this time against Creighton University. It seems like the side had entered a transition period where they would need to rebuild the team as players like Madisen Skinner had to leave the college as she was graduating.

But if the Texas Longhorns are actually looking to rebuild the squad, they may unfortunately be onto a terrible start. This is because numerous players have decided to enter the transfer portal. The first to do so was Jordan Byrd, who committed to a transfer to the Florida volleyball side. Jordan, who was an incredible prospect in her high school days, seemed to be frustrated with the lack of opportunities given to her by the Longhorns. This made her leave the team and return to her home city. But Texas was yet to receive their big blow as one of their main players entered the transfer portal. And it is Averi Carlson.

The bombshell news was dropped by Lincoln Arneal of the Huskers on X, who said, “Interesting news here. A Texas source confirms that setter Averi Carlson has entered the transfer portal. Baylor transfer became the starter down the stretch for the Horns’ Sweet 16 run.” Averi had become a regular at the Longhorns this season, and thus the side would feel her absence.

The player had become one of the best setters in the NCAA last season (2024) after becoming the main player in that position for the Texas Longhorns. This is backed up by her stats, as in the 36 sets Averi played during the phase where she got regular game time, she ended up scoring 411 assists, showing her team that they would’ve been in a much better position had they played her from the start.

Now, she might be considering going into a team where she will get guaranteed matches from the beginning. Thus, the player has now decided to take her services elsewhere and hopefully attempt to become the best setter in the country. Longhorns would thus be feeling this departure quite heavily, as she could very well come back and haunt them in tournament games. While the departure of Averi Carlson will definitely hurt the Texas Longhorns, it’s not all bad news for them.

Ella Swindle decides to stay put at Texas Longhorns

Ella Swindle has decided to remain in the team despite not getting much game time last season. This was very unclear for a while as the player lost her place to Averi Carlson in the second phase of the season and had to settle for the bench in most games. However, the player wants to continue on the same team and reestablish herself as a starter.

The news was announced by the player herself through her Instagram post this week. In the post, Ella said, “Longhorn Nation, see you next year.” Thus, this pretty much confirms her intention to return to the team and fight for her position. The player was an active part of the 2023 title-winning team.

However, after Averi Carlson came into prominence in the team, Ella’s setter position was usurped by her. But with the former leaving the side, Ella Swindle could once again return to the starting lineup of the Texas Longhorns side. This is great news for the player, as her stats warrant a starting position too. After all, becoming an All-American in her freshman season is quite a significant achievement that cannot really be ignored. Thus, hopefully, the player can return to form, helping the Longhorns restore balance.