The Texas Longhorns had a season that could only be written in a movie script; full of thrills, disappointments, and twists. Earlier this month, the Longhorns had a bitter experience when they were knocked out by No. 6 Creighton in the NCAA Volleyball State College Regional Semifinal held at Rec Hall. The match ended with a nail-biting 26-24, 19-25, 21-25, 20-25 scoreline. This was only the second time in 19 seasons that Texas couldn’t go beyond the Sweet 16. Despite wrapping up the season with a respectable 20-7 record, it’s a bittersweet close for a team used to basking in glory.

But amidst the rollercoaster ride, one player made headlines for taking a leap of her own. Yep, a standout Longhorn entered the transfer portal, leaving fans buzzing. Whether it was a nudge from fate or the winds of change, this star is preparing to put on a new number and begin a new chapter.

Lincoln Arneal hopped onto X on December 22 to drop some major volleyball tea, and it’s all about a rising star making moves! He shared, “Jordyn Byrd has committed to transfer to Florida. The 6-foot-4 outside hitter did not appear in a match in her two years at Texas, but she was the 2-time Florida Gatorade Player of the Year. PrepDig ranked her No. 22 in the 2023 class. She has 3 years of eligibility left.” Now headed back to her Florida roots, this 6-foot-4 outside hitter is ready to show why she was once the two-time Gatorade Player of the Year.

Jordyn Byrd’s freshman volleyball season was halted in 2023, but she had more in store as she sported that redshirt look for Texas Longhorns. Well, clearly the plan didn’t go that way. But let’s talk about her pre-Texas days—this Florida girl was on a roll. A two-time Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the Year (yes, she won it in 2021-22 and 2022-23). She didn’t merely excel; she set a course alight.

Jordyn was a four-year starter and All-State superstar her four years at Cardinal Mooney High School, overpowering under the direction of Coach Chad Davis. Her trophy shelf? Overflowing. In 2019, she won a 3A State Championship title, was named a MaxPreps All-American in 2021, and claimed the title of Herald-Tribune Preps Player of the Year in the same year.

And, by the way, she was also a star athlete on the sand. SAIC State Champ, Offensive MVP, and even a baller on the basketball court where she clinched the MVP in 2019-20. State runner-up in 3A two years in a row? This one is not a problem for this all-rounder. Jordyn’s story is like a magic fairy tale! But here’s the twist—while Jordyn is packing her bags and transferring out of Texas Longhorns, there’s someone making their way back home!

Texas Longhorns’ star returns home!

Texas Longhorns’ fans, get ready for a homecoming! The setter, Ella Swindle will be officially remaining with the Longhorns, and she gave a confirmation in the most Texas manner possible. Through her Instagram, a couple of weeks ago she wrote: “Longhorn Nation, see you next year” which effectively shut down speculations regarding her status with the team. It is a small light at the end of the tunnel for the squad, given that Ella is back, especially after such a turbulent season. Originally part of the 2023 championship team, she was challenged when junior transfer Averi Carlson became the starter. Still, Ella handled it like a pro, bringing her team-first attitude to the court and proving she’s as much heart as talent.

And let’s not forget Swindle’s resume is as stacked as ever. This tall sophomore is 6-foot-3 and was even a freshman All-American in 2023 and recorded 1,088 assists in 114 sets. While her figures declined in the latest season—265 sets in 69 sets—her passion did not. Not even her own coach, Jerritt Elliott, and her teammates could help but gush about how positive she is and how she comes to practice and games, giving her best effort every single day. A 20-7 team with a difficult loss in the regional semifinal to Creighton, Texas is preparing for a significant roster overhaul. But as long as Ella is part of the team, the Longhorns are definitely building the blocks for another championship year.

And speaking of revamps, there are many shifting sands in the Texas Longhorns’ roster. They’ll be waving goodbye to some big names, including outside star Madisen Skinner, who has just been named an All-American. Other players who are also exiting include Reagan Rutherford, Jenna Wenaas, and defensive star Keonilei Akana, and they will be hard to replace. But if there is one thing that this program knows how to do, it is to come back even stronger. With Ella Swindle back in the saddle and a new wave of recruits on the horizon, the Longhorns are all set to turn the page and write their next chapter in style.