A reimagined Longhorn Network released the first episode in a three-part series about Texas volleyball titled “We Are Texas,” the first original content series produced by the network.
Due to SEC regulations against broadcasting live events, the Longhorn Network had to adjust by posting press conferences, highlights and other original content. The network chose the back-to-back national championship winners to be the first highlighted on the new free app.
“Longhorn Nation loves Texas volleyball and this streaming platform and series is another outlet for fans to learn more about our outstanding programs, student athletes and coaching staff,” Drew Martin, Texas’ executive senior associate athletics director said. “We are very excited for this series and the others that are to come from our talented Athletics and Learfield Studios staff.”
In the first episode, Texas players and coaches discussed their culture and journey to this point, from the 2023 National Championship to visiting the White House.
“It’s our unity,” head coach Jerritt Elliott said in the series. “It’s the way we treat each other, it’s the way that we have trust, it’s the way we communicate. And we are able to make an experience that is truly special for the athlete on and off the court.”
The episode also highlighted the team’s summer trip to Europe. Student athletes do not typically get to study abroad, so Elliott made sure the trip that the team gets to take once every four years isn’t just filled with volleyball.
“When we go over, we train, but we make it a small pocket,” Elliott said. “We get after it and then the rest of the day is sightseeing, bonding with one another, exchanging roommates, getting to know our boosters.”
The second episode, released on Aug. 29, focuses on adjusting to the SEC and the pressure joining a new conference brings.
“It’s a new slate,” player development consultant Juliann Faucette said in the episode. “Nothing they’ve done previously is going to count.”
The episode also discusses playing at Gregory Gym and the team’s drive to succeed.
Through the new platform, Longhorn Network features high-achieving student-athletes. Senior outside hitter and 2023 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player Madisen Skinner gets a special feature in the series. Other interviews include junior libero Emma Halter.
Capturing behind-the-scenes footage, the new series is the first of many that will highlight the aspects of Longhorn programs that are not typically seen during a game.
The last episode of the series will be posted on Sept. 5.
