What Is 2024 Texas Longhorns volleyball team
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Last updated: April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- Texas Longhorns volleyball joined the SEC on July 1, 2024, ending 13 seasons in the Big 12 Conference
- Head coach Jerritt Elliott has led the program since 2001 and has accumulated over 550 wins
- The 2023 team finished 20–10 overall and reached the NCAA Regional Semifinals
- Asjia O'Neal, a 6'3" middle blocker, returned for her fifth season in 2024 after an Olympic training stint
- The Longhorns' home matches are held at Gregory Gymnasium, which seats 5,203 fans
Overview
The 2024 Texas Longhorns volleyball team marks a historic transition as the program competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the first time. After 13 seasons in the Big 12 Conference, Texas officially joined the SEC on July 1, 2024, shifting its athletic affiliations to align with new competitive and financial opportunities.
The team is led by head coach Jerritt Elliott, who has been at the helm since 2001 and has built a national powerhouse over two decades. With a strong returning roster and high expectations, the Longhorns are aiming for a deep run in the 2024 NCAA tournament, building on their consistent postseason appearances.
- SEC Debut: The 2024 season is the first in which Texas competes in the Southeastern Conference, joining rivals like Kentucky and Florida in volleyball.
- Head Coach: Jerritt Elliott, entering his 24th season, has led Texas to multiple Final Fours and has a career record of over 550 wins.
- Home Venue: The Longhorns play home matches at Gregory Gymnasium, which underwent a $20 million renovation completed in 2022.
- 2023 Performance: The team finished the 2023 season with a 20–10 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Regional Semifinals.
- Recruiting Class: The 2024 signing class includes three top-100 recruits, bolstering depth at setter and outside hitter positions.
How It Works
The structure and operations of the 2024 Texas Longhorns volleyball team reflect NCAA Division I standards, combining elite athletics with academic requirements and conference scheduling.
- Roster Size: The team maintains a roster of 16–18 athletes, including scholarship players and walk-ons, with 12 eligible for NCAA tournament play.
- Season Schedule: The regular season runs from late August to mid-November, with 28–32 matches including non-conference and SEC play.
- SEC Format: Conference matches follow a round-robin format, with 16 league games scheduled across the fall season.
- NCAA Tournament: The top 64 teams qualify, and Texas has reached the tournament in 18 of the last 20 seasons.
- Player Eligibility: Fifth-year seniors like Asjia O'Neal are eligible due to the COVID-19 pandemic extension granted by the NCAA.
- Training Regimen: The team follows a year-round program including strength training, film review, and 4–5 practices per week during season.
Comparison at a Glance
Below is a comparison of Texas’ 2024 volleyball program with key SEC competitors and recent performance metrics.
| Team | 2023 Win-Loss Record | 2023 NCAA Result | Conference in 2024 | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Longhorns | 20–10 | Regional Semifinals | SEC | Jerritt Elliott |
| Kentucky Wildcats | 26–6 | Elite Eight | SEC | Lexi Sun |
| Florida Gators | 24–8 | Regional Finals | SEC | Nicki Hernandez |
| Nebraska Cornhuskers | 22–10 | Second Round | Big Ten | John Cook |
| Penn State Nittany Lions | 30–2 | National Final | Big Ten | Katie Schumacher-Cawley |
This table highlights Texas’ competitive positioning as it enters the SEC, where teams like Kentucky and Florida have recently outperformed them in the NCAA tournament. While Texas has a storied program, the heightened SEC competition demands stronger performances in key matches. The move also increases national exposure and travel demands, with away games now including trips to Missouri, South Carolina, and LSU.
Why It Matters
The 2024 season is pivotal for the Texas Longhorns volleyball team, representing both a new conference challenge and an opportunity to elevate national prominence.
- Increased Competition: Joining the SEC places Texas in a tougher conference, raising the bar for regular-season performance and NCAA seeding.
- Recruiting Edge: SEC membership enhances national visibility, helping attract top-tier high school recruits from across the U.S.
- Media Exposure: Games are now broadcast on SEC Network and ESPN, increasing fan reach and sponsorship interest.
- Financial Impact: The SEC’s media deal brings higher revenue shares, funding facility upgrades and staff expansion.
- Player Development: Facing elite competition weekly improves readiness for the NCAA tournament and professional careers.
- Legacy Building: A strong 2024 season could position Texas as a top national contender, adding to its two national championships (2012, 2022).
As Texas adapts to its new conference environment, the 2024 volleyball season symbolizes a broader shift in collegiate athletics driven by realignment. Success on the court could cement the Longhorns as a dominant force in women’s volleyball for years to come.
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Sources
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