UT Women’s Volleyball Wins Back-to-Back National Championships

Resilience and strong teamwork are the keys to victory.

By Isabel Neumann

In an exhilarating finale to the 2023 season, the Texas Longhorns women’s volleyball team clinched the national championship, marking a monumental achievement in the program’s history. This victory, a testament to their hard work, resilience and unity, has added another illustrious chapter to UT volleyball’s legacy.

Erik Sullivan, the associate head coach, offered a comprehensive reflection on the journey leading to the championship. “We try to compartmentalize each season into its own entity,” Sullivan explains. “Every year is completely different, even if the roster doesn’t change much. It’s like solving a new puzzle each season.”

The season began with a challenging loss in their opening game, which Sullivan describes as a pivotal moment. “It wasn’t a wake-up call per se, but a reminder that nothing comes easy, regardless of past successes.” The team faced further difficulties with injuries and illnesses, leading to an initial record of five wins and three losses. “That start forced us to reflect and refocus. We needed to get back to work and improve in numerous areas.

As the season progressed, the team found its rhythm, stringing together a series of successful matches. However, a mid-season loss to Kansas State served as another crucial lesson. “That loss reminded us that we are fallible and that any team could beat us on any given day,” Sullivan notes. “It was a moment of refocusing and reinforcing our process-oriented approach.”

The turning point came during the regional semifinals against Tennessee. “Tennessee was one of the toughest teams we faced,” Sullivan recalls. “Winning that match was significant. It not only galvanized us but also freed us up to play more relaxed and confidently in the subsequent matches.”

The team entered the final stretch as underdogs, facing three number one seeds consecutively. This position, uncommon for UT volleyball, instilled a sense of determination and a chip on their shoulders. “Our girls embraced the challenge and played some of their best volleyball in those final matches,” Sullivan says.

Emma Halter, the team’s libero, emphasizes the importance of togetherness in their success. “Camaraderie probably played the biggest part in our championship win. Volleyball is a big team sport, and without good chemistry and culture, we wouldn’t have been successful,”she says. “Everyone on the team supports each other, and that trust is crucial.”

For Halter, winning the national championship was a validation of her hard work and dedication. “It shows all of my hard work paying off. Competing so hard with your best friends and achieving big goals is incredibly rewarding,” she expresses.

Asjia O’Neal, a middle blocker and a veteran of the team, shares her perspective on the season and its challenges. “We didn’t have a super smooth start; it was pretty rocky. But that taught us to stay patient and trust the process,” she says. “Our team was really selfless and committed to the goal. Keeping positivity throughout the year ultimately led us to winning it all.”

O’Neal’s experience highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability. “Losing at home to Stanford and later to Kansas State were pivotal moments. They were tough losses but essential for our growth and unity,” she adds. “These experiences reinforced our commitment to each other and to our collective goal.”

Sullivan’s coaching philosophy centers around process orientation and communication. “We focus on showing up and giving our best every day, working on weaknesses and getting a little better each day. The results will take care of themselves,” he explains. This philosophy, emphasizing consistency and incremental improvement, has been instrumental in the team’s success.

Communication and non-judgmental interactions form the bedrock of UT volleyball’s culture. “We work hard on getting our players comfortable with high-level communication and having tough conversations. It’s about understanding each other and dealing with issues head-on,”Sullivan says.

The championship victory is not just a professional milestone for Sullivan but also a deeply fulfilling personal achievement.“Winning validates everything we work hard for. But more importantly, it’s about watching our players grow into great young women and succeed beyond our gym,” he reflects.

For Halter and O’Neal, this victory has been transformative.“Winning makes you want to work even harder and be abetter athlete. It also provides opportunities to be a role model and inspiration for younger girls,” Halter says. O’Neal, now graduated, carries the lessons from this season into her professional volleyball career. “This season taught me that it’s not about how you start, but how you finish and grow from it.”

The 2023 national championship win for the UT women’s volleyball team is a testament to their resilience, teamwork and the robust culture instilled by the coaching staff. As they celebrate this monumental achievement, the foundation laid this season promises continued success and growth for the program.With their eyes set on the future, the Longhorns are poised to keep their legacy of excellence alive.

More from the Summer Issue