Volleyball champion Madisen Skinner passed the ball just outside the gym she used to spend hours in when she was a student-athlete at Texas.
Just like in their 2022 national championship season and in their time together on the League One Volleyball, or LOVB, team, Skinner passed the ball to setter Saige Ka’aha’aina Torres. However, unlike any other time, the ball didn’t go to an experienced hitter.
Instead, the set went to volleyball enthusiasts and curious students on Speedway, who waited in a line outside of a Red Bull-themed volleyball court on Gregory Plaza on Nov. 10.
People took the court and tried to hit a target in the deep corner of the court to win a prize. Some were successful, while others had a few airballs. One student in particular went in with full confidence, jumping high in the air — but the ball fell right behind his head as he swung into nothing but air.
Everyone was enjoying the experience, whether they were triumphant or not.
“It was inspiring and really nice to know that (alumni) do come back to campus,” journalism freshman Sophia Hung said. “Honestly, it was nerve-wracking at the same time, but it was really fun.”
Skinner is a four-time All-American, a Honda Sports Award winner and a three-time NCAA national champion — once with Kentucky in 2020 and twice with Texas in 2022 and 2023.
Aside from her on-court success, Skinner has built a strong, growing platform off the court through brand partnerships. She has partnered with HEB, Red Bull and more. She recently made an appearance in the first NikeSKIMS collection alongside Serena Williams, Jordan Chiles and Sha’Carri Richardson. Even fans from outside the Forty Acres made the trip to see Skinner and Torres in person.
Torres, on the other hand, graduated from Texas two years before Skinner. The two players reunited for the inaugural season of LOVB Austin, both helping LOVB win the first championship in league history, with Skinner taking home the finals MVP.
Now a professional volleyball player in Austin and competing for the United States in the Volleyball Nations League, Skinner continues to make an impact on the sport and inspire younger athletes through her success.
While the younger volleyball players didn’t get the opportunity to participate on the court, with an 18-and-up age restriction, they still got an opportunity to meet Skinner and Torres. These Longhorns continue to inspire the next generation through their impact and dedication on and off the court.
“What drew me here was probably just seeing my idol,” Avery Sepulveda, a seventh-grade volleyball player, said. “Her hits are amazing. I just want to be like her when I start playing even more.”
