Bleed Orange

bl ed orange

Summer 2013

Pumping Longhorn sports through every vein.

Sack MACK

Should he stay or go?

Last Shot

Is a career in the NBA the future of four UT basketball stars?

TEXAS FIGHT A Coverage of the 2013 Football Season

Longhorns Losing Page 8 Sack Mack Page 16

BRACKET OF CONTENTS

Staff Biographies Page 3

Trey Shots Page 9

Sustained Excellence Page 26

Photo Credit: Ashley Landis

Coverage of the Longhorn Volleyball Team in Sustained Excellence

2011 Holiday Bowl Page 6 Last Shot Page 19 The Lonestar Showdown 2012 Page 24

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Letter from 2005 National the Editors Champions Page 4 Page 22

The Long Work Ahead Page 12

Texas Fight Page 18

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

An overview of the UT Football team in Texas Fight

Dinner with UT vs. Baylor the Winners Page 17 Page 14 Gregory Gym Page 10

Meet the Staff of BLEED ORANGE CHLOE EDMISTON When not playing softball or volleyball, doing her

homework, or playing with her dog, Chloe Edmiston loves going to see University of Texas volleyball, football, and baseball games. At 5’11’’, she hopes to play college volleyball at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or at Harvard University, her dream schools.

FUN FACTChloe refuses to ever compromise with Nicholas.

NICHOLAS DEZSO

Nicholas Dezso enjoys playing soccer for LBJ and for his select soccer team, the Houston Dynamo.

He also marches as part of the LBJ Band in the saxophone section during football season. He likes to procrastinate on his homework and instead, watch Longhorn sports on television. He hopes to play soccer in college at whatever college he decides on.

FUN FACTNicholas doesn’t care what Chloe thinks.

He does whatever he wants.

ESTEBAN GUEVARA Esteban Guevara loves to play soccer and football for LBJ and likes to hang out with friends when not doing his insane amounts of homework. A Longhorn fan at heart, he watches UT Football games during leisure time, although he refuses to watch the Longhorn Network. He hopes to continue his soccer career in college, wherever he goes.

FUN FACTPoor Esteban was stuck dealing with Chloe and Nicholas for a semester.

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Letter from the Editors

Photo Credit: Bleed Orange Staff

Dear Devoted Longhorns,

The “Eyes of Texas” are upon this magazine. To open your eyes to the world of University of Texas sports, we created this magazine. Bleed Orange contains professional opinions, as well as those of “die hard” fans to give you the ultimate coverage of Texas sports. This would not be considered an easy thing to do. Interviews proved hard to come by and many story ideas ended up in the trash. We settled on our ideas and went on to compose our stories. Finally, we finished and began to design.

All of the contributors to this magazine have a few things in common. The problem became finding things we could actually put into a magazine that people would want to read. UT sports stood out among the commonalities. We moved on with this, and with a minimal amount of group arguments and a lot of sassiness from Chloe and Nicholas (mostly Chloe), we produced this wonderful magazine for your enjoyment.

Thank you readers, God Bless Texas and Hook ‘em Horns.

Sincerely, The Bleed Orange Team

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College Gameday Saturday Mornings from 9-Noon on ESPN and ESPNU Coverage of all of the days games, including the biggest games of the season Built by

Only On The Worldwide Leader in Sports

PHOTO BREAK The University of Texas football team huddles before kick-off at the 2011 Holiday Bowl against the University of California. UT beat the Golden Bears 21-10.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

Longhorns Losing

BY NICHOLAS DEZSO

Fareorbecoming the past few years, University of Texas sports records have been in decline. Losses more frequent with wins few and far between. After the football team

going 5-7, 8-4, and 9-5 in the past three seasons and the baseball team failing to go to Omaha for the first time in years, many fans are disappointed with the direction of the school’s athletics. There seems to be no drive to produce good sports teams. In fact, The UT athletic department will cash in every year regardless of the sports situation because of the Longhorn Network and merchandise sales. Other schools with the athletic reputation of Texas consistently produce good sports teams because without the support of the fans, they will make a lot less money.

The Top Athletic Incomes of The NCAA in 2012 10. The University of Tennessee $102,495,204 9. Auburn University $103,982,441 8. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus $104,338,843 7. Louisiana State University $106,421,671 6. Pennsylvania State University $116,118,026 5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor $122,486,490 4. University of Florida $123,008,257 3. The University of Alabama $123,910,432 2. Ohio State University-Main Campus $131,815,819 1. The University of Texas at Austin $150,295,932

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Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

In 2012, UT left the competitors in the dust in income, beating second place Ohio State by $18,480,113.

Keeping in mind that Texas went 8-4 and 2nd place Ohio State went undefeated ( they did not go to a bowl game due to a suspension) and the third place Alabama won the national championship. Texas makes money even if the sports are mediocre. Most of the teams on this list did very well this season and even the ones that didn’t have not been as bad as Texas has the past 3 seasons.

How

to

Shoot

a

Three-Pointer

BY ESTEBAN GUEVARA

H aving problems with your three pointers? Here look at some real life examples with tips and tricks to help you almost always make your shots with a breeze. Since three-

pointers are one of the hardest shots to take when playing basketball many people need some tips and tricks to make every shot count.

Have a positive attitude.

More of a chance to make that Trey Shot!

Warm up by doing a series of shots around the court and after each shot jog to the next spot on the court.

For pinpoint accuracy lineup with the basket.

Use your non-dominant hand to act as a guide and look and lineup with the basket.

To test if you are lined up walk forward and if you are under the basket you are fine.

Photo Credit :

Photo Credit :

Esteban Guevara

Esteban Guevara

Make sure you bend your knees. More bent knees can get you more distance on the shoots.

The last part of your body that should have contact with the ball is your middle finger.

When jumping, release the ball at the highest point of your jump and flick your wrist.

When coming down from jumping, land in the same spot and keep your wrist in the same position.

Photo Credit :

Photo Credit :

Esteban Guevara

Esteban Guevara

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PHOTO BREAK The University of Texas volleyball team competes against Cincinnati.

Gregory Gym was originally the basketball gym until 1977.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

The LONG Work Ahead BY: ESTEBAN GUEVARA

F or KEYE in Austin “ Mack Brown held a press con-

ference on Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon. Now, he only talks Monday morning.” “Because the LHN has him doing two studio shows a week, they’ve eliminated his Wednesday press conference with local media.” “That might not sound like a big deal, but that means we don’t get any fresh sound from Mack between Monday morning and AFTER the game Saturday.” KEYE sports anchor Adam Winkler said In January, 2013 Jenni Carlson reported in NEWS OK from Oklahoma, “That network is weighing down the Longhorns like a hundred-pound chunk of concrete around Bevo’s neck.” Since August 2012, The Longhorn Network has been carried by

The Longhorn Network will be a big help to The University of Texas. Boss of ESPN talked about The Longhorn Network “Yes, we’re concerned....

We’re disappointed, but we’re committed.” This response has provoked a question. Should The Longhorn Network stay

baseball team missed the NCAA tournament last year and will likely do it again this season.

And for the first time in the Rick Barnes era, the UT men’s hoops team missed the NCAA tournament this year.”

Winkler said.

In women’s volleyball

TLHN happened to air prior to this season and many people believe the network may have disclosed some weaknesses when the horns were practicing.

“The fact that baseball, softball, tennis and track and field

“There’s no question UT’s athletics performance is slipping” Winkler said.

AT&T, Grande Communications, and Verizon Fios, which has provided an annual revenue to UT, but still has yet to spread to other major TV carriers such as Time Warner, DirecTV, and Dish Network. ESPN believes that

for the full contract or should it be taken down because no UT fans watch the network.

“UT football went 5-7 and hasn’t won 10 games since. The UT

and men’s golf are the only two sports the Horns currently dominate.The Texas basketball team has had the worst season under the head coach of Rick Barnes. This is relevant because

can have nearly every home televised game/ match/meet broadcast on national TV is amazing. It’s a great recruiting tool. Also, all of the exposure/interviews teams and players get, the student-athletes are

The Texan offensive line prepares a play against Oklahoma State Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

getting on-the-job media training that will help them down the road, whether or not they stick with athletics or not.” said Winkler.

When ESPN confronted the longhorns, an agreement was concluded.

The agreement was that ESPN would pay UT 300 million dollars over the course of 20 year if UT was to air two live events on the Longhorn Network but during the first year of broadcasting the actual amount Texas received close to 8 million dollars instead of getting the projected amount of nearly 10 million dollars.

All these facts do not matter unless the UT fans watch The Longhorn Network. “I know for sure that we actually watch a lot LESS UT sports than we used to” Sondra,a fan growing up and a fan even after she went to college in August of 1986, said.

Fans have seen a whole lot less of their team ever since the Longhorn Network aired. “We see fewer football, basketball and women’s basketball games on TV than we used to.”

The Longhorn Network located on University park and is the main building of the Longhorn Network.

Photo Credit: The Statesman

All these games are either seen through “local news”, or any other “networks or other sports channels.” For die hard fans it is hard to watch two of the 12 regular season games without having The Longhorn Network and this poses a problem when the network is only on one of the four major television brands.

“UT has the most valuable brand in college athletics.” Winkler said. To continue this tradition The Longhorn Network needs to reach all the homes in the Longhorn Nation. BO

DINNER WITH THE WINNERS

BY CHLOE EDMISTON

B efore attending a University of Texas sporting game, many fans eat on campus, since the food in the stadiums lacks diversity, consisting mostly of burgers and hot dogs. All

UT fans have their own favorite spots, depending on the type of food and the cost. The restaurants at the University of Texas are typically reasonably priced, since they cater to students who can’t always afford a $20 or $30 meal. Provided are some of the Editors’ favorite spots to eat on campus before going to any sports games, along with reviews and price ranges.

$= $0-$10 $$= $10-$20 $$$= $20-$30 Pho Thaison, located at 1908 Guadalupe St. on the Drag, specializes in the Vietnamese soup Pho, while additionally serving a FrenchVietnamese fusion sandwich called Banh Mi. Pho Thaison serves tear-jerkingly spicy Singaporean cuisine in addition to their Pho. According to the Austin Chronicle’s Restaurant Guide, “Pho Thaison is your headquarters for Pho, and also as a great selection of appetizers and vegetarian dishes.” $$

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The Carillon, located at 1900 University Avenue in the AT&T Executive Education Conference Center, is the place to go on UT campus to find a nice sit-down dinner or lunch. The chef at the Carillon, Josh Watkins, caters to those staying at the AT&T Conference Center, so getting into the restaurant might be an issue if the game you are attending draws a lot of fans from out of town. Wes Marshall, a food reviewer for the Austin Chronicle, said, “The menu shows Watkins’ flair with flavors and ingredients.” Such ingredients include locally grown peppers and locally raised cattle. $$$

VERTS Kebap, located at 2025 Guadalupe St. in the Dobie Mall, serves Berlin-style Kebaps.

A Kebap is a Russian dish consisting of meat roasted over a spit. At VERTS, you can get your Kebap in a tortilla, a traditional bread, or a bowl, and fill it with either beef/lamb, chicken, or veggies, such as onions and peppers, topped off with grilled or raw veggies and sauces. Mick Vann, a food reviewer for the Austin Chronicle, said, “Stein and Heyne (the owners of the restaurant) [have] brought us a new ethnic option that’s fresh, healthy and delicious.’” $

Gregory Gym 2101 E 21st St.

Hoa-Hoa Restaurant, located at 2025 Guadalupe St. in the Dobie Mall, is the place to go if you want to grab a quick bite of some authentic Asian cuisine. The restaurant serves a diverse menu of dishes from all over Asia.

Nate Allen, a student at the University of Texas, said“The food is cheap, especially considering the massive portions. This food is amazing and its owners are amazing.” $

Niki’s Pizza, located at 2025 Guadalupe St. in the Dobie Mall, serves traditional pizza and pastas. Fast service and incredibly accommodating servers, typically family members of Niki, draw crowds at meal times.

Per slice, the pizza is $2.50, a great deal for a New York pie. This place becomes relatively busy during lunch and dinner, so make sure you have time before the game or you get your meal early. Debby Kasprak, a student at the University of Texas, said,“[Niki’s Pizza] is the closest you will come to New York style pizza in Austin.” $

Darrell K. Royal Stadium 2100 San Jacinto Blvd.

Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River St.

Graphic by Chloe Edmiston

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Sack Mack?

BY NICHOLAS DEZSO

Fbad.orThe any University of Texas Football fan, any season with less than nine wins is considered fans accept the fact that one bad season may happen occasionally, but three in a row is unacceptable, especially when the longhorns fail to appear in a bowl game for the first time in years. Many fans are calling for changes. These changes begin with head coach, Mack Brown.

Now in his 15th season as head coach, many fans consider Brown Mack Brown’s Best as the second best coach in Texas Seasons at Texas history. If he retired now, he would leave a legacy of success with two National Championship 2005 appearances and one win, Mack Brown brings Texas their along with two more BCS bowl appearances. So why is Mack first national championship for 35 years Brown still here?

The main reason is money. No coach is paid more in college football. Even after 3 rebuilding, he makes more money than any 2009 other coach.

A 2nd place finish in a devastating loss to Alabama Also, even with the past after an injury to star few rebuilding seasons, quarterback Colt McCoy. his accomplishments at UT are impressive. One BCS Championship win and a birth in another along with two other BCS Bowl wins is not a bad record.

2004 Texas wins its first BCS Bowl game against Michigan in the Rose Bowl

2008 Mack Brown leads Texas to a win in the Fiesta Bowl against a tough Ohio State team

Despite allegations, many fans still believe Mack Brown has at least one more good season left.

This year will be different for Texas and Mack Brown. No matter the outcome of the season, fans will call for Mack Brown’s retirement But hopefully is that it will be at the end of a memorable season.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

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The University of Texas football team stands ready for the snap at the 2009 Baylor game. The Longhorns beat the bears 47-14.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

PHOTO BREAK

Texas Fight

BY NICHOLAS DEZSO

Over 10,000 fans sat on

the metal bleachers in Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium at the spring Orange-White game on to get a glimpse of this years Longhorns. Many fans appeared to see what they could expect from the Texas Longhorns this season. The outcome didn’t matter, only the improvement on some key problems the team faced last year.

In the past season sports fans and critics witnessed Texas struggled with many problems across the board. The defense had, statistically, its worst season in program history. The offense improved from the past three seasons, but continued to be inconsistent under Sophomore quarterback David Ash.

The spring game showed improvement this year, with promising performances from many young players, especially early enrollee Tyrone Swoopes, according to fans in attendance at the game. With things looking up for Texas this season, fans are eager to see what they can expect from Texas this year.

Starting with the quarterback, Texas has returning junior David Ash. “ David Ash at the Spring Game was vintage David Ash. He started 15/17 then his next three were interception, incomplete, and another interception,” said Bill Frisbie, lead writer of Inside Texas on KXAN. He started well but one mistake led to two others. But some think Ash cannot really be blamed.

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Junior Running Back Joe Bergeron goes for the endzone against Texas Tech.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

“David Ash was never really recruited to be the guy,” Frisbie said.

Many fans were unhappy with the performance of Garrett Gilbert in 2010, causing him to transfer. This left Ash as starter. Considering the situation, Ash has performed fairly well says Frisbie But fairly well will not be enough to earn Texas a spot in a BCS Bowl game.

Whether or not he was recruited to be “the guy”, fans are looking to Ash to step up as a leader.

He won the title of outright starter last year and must perform well this year to keep it.

With an impressive display of athletics from young quarterback, Tyrone Swoopes at the Spring Game, Ash will need to prove he is the go to guy this year.

Frisbie believes the key for Ash this season is to stay upbeat. His main problem last year was not the mistakes he made. It was his reaction to his mistakes. He would make one mistake, and instead of learning and moving on, it would lead to more

2013 Football Schedule

Date

Opponent

5/3

New Mexico State

9/7

@Brigham Young

9/14

Ole Miss

9/21

Kansas State

10/3

@Iowa State

10/12

Oklahoma*

10/26

@TCU

11/2

Kansas

11/9

@West Virginia

11/16

Oklahoma State

11/26

Texas Tech

12/7

@Baylor * represents a game played at a neutral sight

mistakes on his part. As long as Ash can keep his head up, he can perform well enough to take the longhorns to a good bowl game.

Moving on to the rest of the offense, Frisbie thinks Texas should have strength at the wide receiver position with Jaxon Shipley and Mike Davis leading the charge. Cayleb Jones will not be playing so someone will need to step up to his position.

Texas did not lose any offensive lineman from last season so they will have an experienced line.

“Texas, if they can stay healthy at running back, will have in my opinion the best running backs in college football,” Frisbie said.

Texas is returning all three top players from last year, Johnathan Gray, Malcolm Brown, and Joe Bergeron.

All three players put up good stats last season in the games they played in. The injury to Malcolm Brown let Gray into the spotlight and he racked up 701 yards, leading the team in rushing

If all three players can stay healthy this season, the running game will be a strength in 2013.

“The up tempo is the trend in the Big 12 and the strengths are that it doesn’t give defense time to substitute. I believe it will help Ash because he seems to play better when he is more instinctive and has less time to think about his play.” Frisbie said

Frisbie believes the up tempo offense is long overdue for this team. He thinks it will help this team put points on the board.

“On the defensive side of the ball, the question is not whether or not the defense will give up big plays. The question is how many big plays the defense will give up.” said Texas fan, Todd Sullivan

The Longhorn offense prepares for action.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

“Big plays will ALWAYS be part of the pass happy Big 12! As long as the league’s offenses play a high-risk high-reward style, big plays and high scores will be the norm. The question is: Can the Texas defense allow FEWER big plays than the other team?”

Sullivan said.

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The Longhorns take the feild against New Mexico State on route to a 45-0 victory.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

Texas needs to keep the blown plays to a minimum if they want to win games against opponents like Texas Tech and Oklahoma State with their explosive offenses.

work on is the attitude on the team. The past Texas teams who have won National Championships have never thought for a second what would happen with a loss. It didn’t cross their mind.

“Simplifying the defense is a MUST - less stunting and exotic blitzes.” Sullivan said.

“This team needs toughness and attitude!

And that originates from the leaders on the team.”

Sullivan said.

The Longhorns Defensive Coordinator, Manny Diaz, needs to tone down the flashy defensive schemes and packages. He needs to focus on keeping the other team from gaining big yardage.

The defense must focus on making the opponents earn their yards.

Specific strengths on the defense will be in the secondary and the defensive line. The defensive line will not be as good as some past years because of the loss of Alex Okafor, but it will perform enough to keep the opposing team from gaining big yards on the run.

Another key point that this team needs to

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This team must play with the attitude of winners. If they get down on themselves, they will give up some stupid plays and it could start of a chain reaction of problems for the team.

“It will boil down to the mentality and attitude and psyche of the team.” Frisbie said

Finally, the expectations for this Texas team run high. If everything works out, Texas should appear in a BCS Bowl game with one or two losses.

“Anything less is not to Texas’ standard!”

Sullivan said. BO

The Last Shot

BY ESTEBAN GUEVARA

Who is ready to move from the college level to the higher status of play in the NBA?

Sheldon McClellan Height: 6’ 4” Weight: 200 Sheldon is rising up the ranks and becoming big, Averaging 20 points a game, is helping the team win.

Photo Credit

Ioannis Papapetrou Height: 6’8” Weight:225 During the TCU game he led Texas with 15 points.

Giving them the victory against TCU. Photo Credit Chealsea Purgahn

Lawerence Peart

Myck Kabango Height: 6’ 1” Weight 180 When Kabango returned from his suspension he mopped the floor with TCU and the team has been playing its best with Myck.

Photo Credit The Associated Press

Julien Lewis Height: 6’ 3” Weight : 190 The TCU game has taken him off the bench and he has made 3 three pointers for UT.

Photo Credit Chealsea Purgahn

A Texas Fun Fact: Before Bevo was branded “Bevo” Texas had an embarrassing lost (13 to 0) against their long-lasting rival Texas A&M. A&M branded the Longhorn 13-0 to show that A&M was superior to Texas that one game. To cover Texas’s shame they called the Longhorn Bevo.

PHOTO BREAK The US flag is displayed before the 2005 National Championship game, where the Longhorns beat the USC Trojans 41-38.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

PHOTO BREAK University of Texas controls the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M on Feb. 6th, 2012. The Longhorns won by two points, closing with a score of 70-68.

Photo Credit: Charles Edmiston

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE

Breaking down the success of the University of Texas’ women’s volleyball team, 2012’s NCAA National Champions

BY CHLOE EDMISTON Photos by Charles Edmiston

The ball flies up out of the setter’s hands and slams

to the ground in one quick motion. The player on the opposing team dives but narrowly misses it. The crowd erupts in cheers and echoes the announcer, “Point Texas!”.

This match play entertains fans on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights at the University of Texas’ Gregory Gym, where the Longhorn Women’s Volleyball team plays.

The gym fills to the rafters every game with the devoted, cheering fans of the team. The student section gets particularly rowdy, especially during close games like the University of Florida match.

The UT’s women’s volleyball team is considered by many as one of the top NCAA volleyball teams due to the Lady Longhorns’ consistently ranking in the NCAA Division One Top Ten for the past seven years, a feat accomplished by only the best teams. Most recently, they won the National Championship for the 2012 season, sweeping underdog Oregon in three sets.

Last season’s record, 29-4, only had losses to volleyball powerhouses like Penn State. The Longhorn’s record impresses many, especially because they had five freshmen join the team this year. This record also allows Coach Jerritt Elliott to pull from the top recruits in the country, stacking the team with talented players.

Many players appreciate the overwhelming support their fans give them by packing the gym every home game, and believe that their influence is a huge part of the success of the team.

The team lines up for a play facing Cincinnati on the Longhorn’s home court.

“Our fans are the greatest fans and we have such a great support system that comes in, like boosters that come in all the time, that pack our gym,” Junior Defensive Specialist Megan Futch said.

“It just feels like, any time we’re in a battle with a team, our fans are like right next to us, cheering us on.”

Team members also trace the successes of the team back to the rigorous practices that they power through during the season.

“We have similar drills we run through every game and as we get closer to games we go through our

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The team huddles in-between points. The Longhorns won the match in three sets (30-28, 28-26, 25-11).

rotations just so we can look at our different plays that we have and make sure that they’re solid,” Futch said.

The Longhorns followed an almost dictatorlike practice schedule throughout the season and even afterwards, giving up precious free time to continue to improve their already championship-winning game.

“Often times on Sundays we would also come in (as a team) for extra cardio to make sure that we could outlast teams, especially in five set matches,” Freshman Libero Kat Brooks said.

The University of Texas volleyball team currently practices rigorously to make a go at a consecutive National Championship win, training almost daily during the off-season to build strength and maintain their explosive athleticism.

“We would have extra cardio or workouts with our strength and conditioning coach to keep our bodies fit and we all made it a point to stay healthy throughout the season and hold each other accountable,” Freshman Outside Hitter Nicole Dalton said.

Khat Bell takes a swing against Cincinnati. Bell earned a total of three kills during the match.

“If anything, UT volleyball has helped me realize that there are so many more opportunities for me to succeed whether it be through UT or Volleyball, Bailey Webster, a junior outside hitter, said.

The volleyball coaching staff at the University of Texas heads the daily practices during the season.

Head Coach Jerritt Elliott oversees the whole team and Assistant Coach Salima Rockwell works with the outside hitters and right side hitters. The other assistant coach, Erik Sullivan, trains the middle blockers and the defensive specialists, especially in defensive procedures. Coach Elliott has presided over women’s volleyball with the University of Texas for 13 years, holding a 295-79 record with the team. Elliott has earned a trophy case full of awards during his career at UT. He was voted the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coach of the Year in 2012 and has won the Big 12 Coach of the Year award four times.

Elliott has developed many decorated players, such as Destinee Hooker, an NCAA All-American who dominated in the London 2012 Summer Olympics on the US Women’s Volleyball Team. Other notable players include Juliann Faucette, who competed on the US Women’s National team with fellow Longhorns Rachael Adams, Sydney Yogi, and Jennifer Doris.

“If anything, UT volleyball has helped me realize that there are so many more opportunities for me to succeed, whether it be through UT or Volleyball,” Junior Outside Hitter Bailey Webster said.

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NUMBER 12

ROSTER

1

Name Hannah Allison Khat Bell

6 7

Kat Brooks Nicole Dalton

10

Haley Eckerman Megan Futch Sara Hattis Madelyn Hutson Molly McCage

22 15 3 5 14 9

Sha’Dare McNeal Amy Neal

16 23

Sarah Palmer Bailey Webster

Position Setter

Class Junior

Middle Blocker/ Outside Hitter Libero Outside Hitter/Setter Outside Hitter

Sophomore

Libero Middle Blocker Utility Middle Blocker Utility

Junior Freshman Sophomore

Libero/ Outside Hitter Libero Outside Hitter

Freshman

Freshman Freshman Sophomore

Freshman Senior

Junior Junior

Jerritt Elliott: Head Coach Salima Rockwell: Associate Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Erik Sullivan: Assistant Coach Nathan Mendoza: Special Assistant

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Many players on the team plan to continue their volleyball careers after college, typically in international leagues which provide opportunities to play the sport they love, and get away with a free vacation to boot. Former Longhorn Juliann Faucette competes on an Italian team, traveling with them to countries all over the world.

“I would love to play overseas in the professional volleyball league that they have. My dream is to play in Italy, but there are plenty of opportunities overseas to play,” Dalton said.

While becoming competitive players on the court, the Lady Longhorns translate that competitive spirit to the classroom. The University of Texas volleyball program demands academic excellence from each member of the team.

“The academic staff that we have here provides us with resources and they are, it’s really important to them, as well as it is to us, that they stay on top of us or that we keep our grades up. It’s not just about getting a 2.0 to pass, it’s about reaching your highest goals that you can, and really pushing yourself,” Futch said.

This last season, the final one for the lone senior, Sha’Dare McNeal, leaves an empty spot for a new attention-commanding outside hitter. Currently, the University of Texas is pursuing Ana Mooney and Kate Palladino, seniors from Austin, Texas, who play at Austin Junior Volleyball, a club where Coach Elliott coaches during the off-season. Two freshmen, Amy Neal and Molly McCage, acquired many of the skills that earned them their spots on the Longhorn’s squad at Austin Juniors. Freshman Kat Brooks also played club volleyball in her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, as do many of the players that come to UT to play volleyball.

To Kat Brooks, playing on the UT volleyball team has schooled her on being a participating team member, cultivating her love of the sport.

As Brooks said, “Texas Volleyball is really a family, and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.” BO

Haley Eckerman sends a ball through Cincinnati’s block on the right side.

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I gave that player Powerade

Players love Powerade

Players love Powerade