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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Lauren Hightower
Athletic director of the University of Texas at Austin Chris Del Conte at the Orange vs. White football game on April 20, 2024.

From the ranch to the football field: Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte’s journey to serve others through sports

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter December 2, 2024

For Texas athletic director and 2024 Austinite of the Year Chris Del Conte, it all comes back to the lessons he learned and the people he met on a 147-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico.  Del Conte grew...

Graduate forward Kadin Shedrick blocks a shot during Texas’ game against HCU on Nov. 8, 2024.

Texas men’s basketball wins 2024 UKG Legends Classic with a 67-58 win against Saint Joseph’s

Lauren Hightower , Senior Sports Reporter November 26, 2024

In the last five minutes of the UKG Legends Classic game against Saint Joseph’s, it seemed as though Texas men’s basketball flipped a switch.  At a glance, the final score may make the game seem...

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel during Oklahoma's game against Cincinnati on Sept. 23, 2023. Gabriel has since transferred to Oregon.

Heisman watch

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter November 21, 2024

With the end of the college football season in sight, voting for the Heisman Trophy ends Dec. 9. Two players have emerged as leaders, furthering the margin after their performances last week: Colorado...

Coach Rodney Terry during Texas' game against HCU on Nov. 8, 2024.

Texas men’s basketball signs first recruit of class of 2025 in four-star top-50 John Clark

Lauren Hightower , Senior Sports Reporter November 18, 2024

Texas men’s basketball signed four-star top-50 recruit John Clark on Nov. 13, welcoming their first class of 2025 recruit to the Forty Acres through a video announcement. “There’s never been a...

Coach Rodney Terry during Texas' game against HCU on Nov. 8, 2024.

Tale of two halves: Texas beats Mississippi Valley State 89-43 in first-ever meeting

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter November 16, 2024

For the first point of the game, graduate forward Kadin Shedrick stood on the free-throw line for Texas after two minutes of play and shot the ball in the net. The rest of the game looked very similar...

Texas' runout ahead of the game against Florida on Nov. 9, 2024.

SEC power rankings

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter November 14, 2024

Just when it seems an SEC team has gotten comfortable in its spot in the polls, another team comes in to mess everything up.  With several unexpected wins in week 11, with the most notable being Ole...

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Athletic director Chris Del Conte answers students’ questions at Longhorn Foundation dinner event

Lauren Hightower , Senior Sports Reporter November 13, 2024

Longhorn Foundation student members lined up outside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, waiting to be let into the Myers-Dodds Legacy Club for a free dinner and the chance to meet Chris...

Coach Rodney Terry during Texas' game against HCU on Nov. 8, 2024.

No. 19 Texas men’s basketball dominates in home opener against HCU

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter November 9, 2024

No. 19 Texas men’s basketball’s home opener against Houston Christian University started with a similar theme as the last game: with a three-pointer from freshman guard Tre Johnson.  The Longhorns...

Coach Rodney Terry during Texas' game against HCU on Dec. 9, 2023.

Previewing Texas men’s basketball’s first home game

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter November 8, 2024

The No. 19 Longhorns men’s basketball team will return to the Moody Center this Friday, for their first home game of the season against Houston Christian University.  Having a home crowd that averages...

Quarterback Quinn Ewers during Texas' game at Vanderbilt on Oct. 26, 2024.

Week 11: Keys to the game

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter November 7, 2024

Coming off a rough couple of games and bye week, No. 5 Texas looks to gain its confidence back and find its rhythm in this weekend’s game against Florida.  Florida is currently 4–4, but it hasn’t...

No. 19/19 Texas men’s basketball takeaways from closed scrimmages with TCU and Colorado

No. 19/19 Texas men’s basketball takeaways from closed scrimmages with TCU and Colorado

Lauren Hightower , Senior Sports Reporter October 30, 2024

With just five days remaining until its season opener against Ohio State on Nov. 4, No. 19/19 Texas men’s basketball got ready for competitive play with two closed scrimmages against TCU and Colorado.  The...

Week 9: Longhorns in the NFL

Week 9: Longhorns in the NFL

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 24, 2024

Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers In the Chargers’ 17-15 loss to the Cardinals last week, kicker Cameron Dicker had one of the best performances of his career. Dicker single-handedly gave the...

Taking a tour through conferences: Texas men’s basketball will rely on Kansas State transfer Arthur Kaluma’s experience

Taking a tour through conferences: Texas men’s basketball will rely on Kansas State transfer Arthur Kaluma’s experience

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 22, 2024

When senior forward Kansas State transfer Arthur Kaluma plays in his first Texas basketball game this season, he will have played in three separate conferences during his collegiate basketball career.  “I...

Bottles are thrown from the Texas student section during the game against Georgia on Oct. 20, 2024.

Texas Athletics multado $250k por comportamiento de fans en el juego de Georgia

Lauren Hightower and Sofia Estrada Ferrufino October 22, 2024

Nota del editor: Este articulo se publicó por primera vez por Lauren Hightower el 2o de octubre del 2024 y fue traducido al español por Sofia Estrada Ferrufino. Texas Athletics será multado $250k...

Bottles are thrown from the Texas student section during the game against Georgia on Oct. 20, 2024.

Texas Athletics fined $250K for fan behavior at Georgia game

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 20, 2024

Texas Athletics will be fined $250K and some students may have their Big Ticket revoked for the remainder of the academic year after fans in the student section threw water bottles onto the field during...

Governor Greg Abbott sings "The Eyes of Texas" onstage during a tailgate for the UT-Georgia football game at the Governor's Mansion on Oct. 18, 2024.

The night before the Georgia game in the governor’s house

Lauren Hightower, Matthew Gomez, and Liv Elizondo October 18, 2024

On the eve of the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs, a wave of burnt orange covered the governor’s front lawn. Bevo and the Longhorn Band welcomed Texas and Georgia officials to kick off the weekend's...

Head coach Steve Sarkisian at the Texas Fight Rally on Oct. 9, 2024.

Keys to the Game: Georgia

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 17, 2024

With one of the most highly anticipated games of the season this weekend, the outside of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium may look like the crowd at the Alabama game in 2022: crowded hours before...

Head basketball coach Rodney Terry yells at his players during Texas' game against OSU on March 2.

El equipo de basketball de hombres de Texas está clasificado en el puesto #19 en el ranking de pretemporada de AP

Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 14 de octubre de 2024 por Lauren Hightower y fue traducido al español por Valentina Avendaño Figueroa. El equipo de basketball de hombres de Texas...

Head men's basketball coach Rodney Terry motions to his players during Texas' game against Iowa State on Feb. 6, 2024.

It’s a great day to be alive: Texas men’s basketball built a culture ready for SEC

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 15, 2024

“It’s a great day to be alive.”  These are the words Texas men’s basketball head coach Rodney Terry says to his team every morning before practice and what he started his opening remarks with...

Head basketball coach Rodney Terry yells at his players during Texas' game against OSU on March 2.

Texas men’s basketball ranked No. 19 in AP preseason rankings

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 14, 2024

Texas men’s basketball team is one of nine Southeastern Conference teams that have made The Associated Press Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll.  Ranked at No. 19, the Longhorns follow Alabama...

Head men's basketball coach Rodney Terry reacts to a play during Texas' game against OSU on March 2, 2024.

Adjusting to heat: Oregon State transfer Jordan Pope ready for SEC play

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter October 9, 2024

Texas men’s basketball junior guard Jordan Pope is a dynamic scorer with impressive numbers, but there is one title the Oregon State transfer is missing: NCAA basketball champion. “A lot of people...

Notes on the Coach

Notes on the Coach

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter September 26, 2024

Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby will be eager to beat Texas this weekend, not just because they are ranked No. 1, but because his alma mater is located just across the Red River. The rivalry...

Sophomore running back Quintrevion Wisner makes a play during Texas' game against UTSA on Sept. 14, 2024.

Keys to the game: ULM

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter September 19, 2024

The last two times Texas and ULM have played each other, Texas has won by almost 40 points. The game this Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium will most likely not be any different.  According...

Kadin Shedrick during Texas' game against West Virginia on Feb. 10.

Texas men’s basketball’s Kadin Shedrick stepping up as leader “every rep, every practice”

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter September 17, 2024

On the Texas men’s basketball team, graduate forward Kadin Shedrick claims he’s the best at swinging a bat.  “I have no way to prove it,” Shedrick said. “At UVA, we used to play a softball...

University of Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze acknowledges the crowd after catching a pass for a touchdown during UW's game against Washington State University on Nov. 25, 2023 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA.

Three in-state rivalry games are occurring this week, so if you are looking for fire on the field, these are the games to watch.

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter September 12, 2024

Three in-state rivalry games are occurring this week, so if you are looking for fire on the field, these are the games to watch.  Apple Cup: Washington and Washington State, 12:30 p.m. on Peacock After...

Junior wide receiver Matthew Golden celebrates a touchdown with his teammates during Texas' game against CSU on Aug. 31, 2024.

Games to watch

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter September 5, 2024

No. 3 Texas vs No. 10 Michigan, Fox at 11 a.m. CST: Both preseason top-10 teams have much to prove in Ann Arbor this week. With No. 3 Texas’ move to the SEC, the team is eager for a 2–0 start to...

Coach Rodney Terry during Texas' game against HCU on Dec. 9, 2023.

Building leadership, team chemistry in 8 weeks: Texas men’s basketball is looking good for upcoming season

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter September 4, 2024

Eight weeks — that’s how long Texas basketball head coach Rodney Terry had this summer to work with his rebuilt team.  “You’re fighting time when you’re putting the roster together like we...

Redshirt sophomore Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (16) runs down the field at a spring football scrimmage April 6.

Notes from the opponent

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 29, 2024

With the start of the collegiate football season this weekend, The Daily Texan talked with Damon Cook, sports editor for The Rocky Mountain Collegian, about what he expects from Colorado State in the game. DT:...

The crowd cheers at the Texas volleyball game against Washington State on Sept. 15, 2023.

Second episode of ‘We Are Texas’ released by reinvented Longhorn Network

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 29, 2024

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...

A ringing tradition: the MSU Cowbell

A ringing tradition: the MSU Cowbell

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 23, 2024

The Mississippi State cowbell continues to ring in the Southeastern Conference. The tradition started in the mid-20th century at the height of the Mississippi State football team’s golden era. According...

The former Aggies: Mississippi State University

The former Aggies: Mississippi State University

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 23, 2024

Mississippi State University, located in Starkville, Mississippi, is home to over 21,000 students. Established as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi in 1878, Mississippi...

Goodbye to Texas University: The in-state rivalry is back

Goodbye to Texas University: The in-state rivalry is back

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 23, 2024

“Goodbye to Texas University” was the original title of the “Aggie War Hymn” and the first words sung in the second verse of the song.  Even though Texas A&M University and the University...

The 12th Man: The student body

The 12th Man: The student body

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 23, 2024

At Texas A&M University football games, fans twirl around white towels while shouting to distract the opposing team. A closer look will show that printed on the towel, in maroon letters, are the words...

The women's Track & Field/Cross Country team chants before heading to the starting line at the Cowboy Jamboree Meet on September 23, 2023. The Longhorns placed second as a team with a score of 52 points.

Making world watch: former Longhorn Tara Davis-Woodhall wins long jump gold

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 12, 2024

Showing the crowd how she wanted them to clap for her, Longhorn alumna Tara Davis-Woodhall stared down the purple long jump runway in Paris. “I do that so I can have the world watch,” Davis-Woodhall...

First-time Olympic medalists: Texas swimmers medal in Paris

First-time Olympic medalists: Texas swimmers medal in Paris

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 5, 2024

With the conclusion of swimming events in Paris, the U.S. beat Australia in the medal race and six Longhorns earned their first Olympic medals.  The 4x200 freestyle relay bled burnt orange on both...

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Texas vs. Texas A&M: Lone Star rivalry game is back

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 1, 2024

The decibel level at Kyle Field during Thanksgiving week will likely reach all-time highs when the Lone Star rivalry game returns.   The Aggies want redemption from the last time the two teams played...

Helping players on, off the court: Texas volleyball hires Texas Athletics Hall of Honor member Juliann Faucette

Helping players on, off the court: Texas volleyball hires Texas Athletics Hall of Honor member Juliann Faucette

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter August 1, 2024

Texas volleyball legend Juliann Faucette is returning to the program, only this time as a Player Development Consultant.  “I am thrilled to be joining the top program in the country,” Faucette...

Carson Foster swims the 1000-yard freestyle  event at Texas' meet against Incarnate Ward on Oct. 8, 2021.

Staying in his lane: Texas alumni swimmer Carson Foster will swim for gold in Paris

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter July 26, 2024

In only a few days, Texas alumni swimmer Carson Foster will swim in Paris in the 200 and 400m individual medley as a first-time Olympian.  But, it was only a few years ago when Foster was at the lowest...

Outfielder Bella Dayton swings at a pitch during Texas' game against Oklahoma on April 7, 2024.

Texas softball alumni appeared on global stage at WBSC World Cup Finals

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter July 22, 2024

A week before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics, former Longhorns Janae Jefferson and Bella Dayton got their chance to shine in the Women’s Softball World Cup, an international six-day tournament...

Idol, friend, teammate: Erin Gemmell makes 4x200 free relay Olympic team alongside Katie Ledecky

Idol, friend, teammate: Erin Gemmell makes 4×200 free relay Olympic team alongside Katie Ledecky

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter July 11, 2024

When freshman swimmer Erin Gemmell was eight years old, she dressed up as Katie Ledecky for Halloween, wearing a Team USA swim cap donated by the Olympian herself.  Now, 11 years later, Gemmell will...

Senior Estelle Czech pitches during Texas' game against Houston Christian on Feb. 21, 2024.

‘Family on me’: Texas softball seniors changed program for better

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter July 1, 2024

“Family on me, family on three.” They weren’t just words that senior pitcher Estelle Czech said to break out huddles this season, but a reflection of the culture that the Texas softball senior...

Madisen Skinner spikes the ball during the Texas vs. Stanford game on Sep. 3, 2023.

Texas volleyball Madisen Skinner wins Big 12 Female Athlete of the Year

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 27, 2024

Senior outside hitter Madisen Skinner is Texas’ latest Big 12 Athlete of the Year winner. “Speechless right now,” Skinner said on social media. “So grateful for (Texas volleyball) and the incredible...

Quarterback Quinn Ewers looks to pass the ball during the College Football Playoff game against Washington on Jan. 1, 2024.

Repeating history: Colorado State preview

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 24, 2024

Fans filling the stands in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, wearing boots and burnt orange. The Texas summer heat beating down in a midday game. Texas football attempting to repeat history.  If...

New Texas women’s golf head coach Laura Ianello pushes herself out of her comfort zone

New Texas women’s golf head coach Laura Ianello pushes herself out of her comfort zone

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 17, 2024

When new Texas women’s golf head coach Laura Ianello got the call from Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, she was sitting in her new office at the University of Arizona and had no idea what was...

Looking back and moving forward: Texas softball season recap

Looking back and moving forward: Texas softball season recap

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 13, 2024

Record-breaking, dominant and growing.  These are some words used to describe Texas softball’s program after its 2024 season.   The Longhorns started the season with a bang, going on an 11-game...

Changing the game: Texas and Oklahoma softball transition into the SEC

Changing the game: Texas and Oklahoma softball transition into the SEC

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 13, 2024

The two softball teams that played in the 2024 Women’s College World Series championship series, Texas and Oklahoma, are not just moving conferences and joining the SEC: They are looking to change the...

No. 1/1 Texas softball showed ‘Texas fight’ in championship loss to No. 2/2 Oklahoma

No. 1/1 Texas softball showed ‘Texas fight’ in championship loss to No. 2/2 Oklahoma

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 7, 2024

Freshman infielder Katie Stewart stood at the plate, the championship riding on her bat. The stadium was packed with around 12,000 Sooner fans engulfing the burnt orange section in the stands and creating...

No. 1/1 Texas softball falls in Women’s College World Series championship series opener to No. 2/2 Oklahoma

No. 1/1 Texas softball falls in Women’s College World Series championship series opener to No. 2/2 Oklahoma

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 5, 2024

In the Women’s College World Series championship series opener against No. 2/2 Oklahoma, No. 1/1 Texas softball looked flustered in an 8-3 loss. With a roaring red crowd that was only spurred on by...

El equipo de sóftbol No. 1/1 de Texas se dirige a la serie de campeonato de la Serie Mundial Universitaria Femenina después de una victoria contra el equipo No. 8/8 de Stanford.

El equipo de sóftbol No. 1/1 de Texas se dirige a la serie de campeonato de la Serie Mundial Universitaria Femenina después de una victoria contra el equipo No. 8/8 de Stanford.

Lauren Hightower and Nicolas Siman June 4, 2024

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 3 de junio por Lauren Hightower y fue traducido al español por Nicolas Siman.  Todo lo que necesitaba el equipo de sóftbol de Texas...

No. 1/1 Texas softball heads to Women’s College World Series championship series after win against No. 8/8 Stanford

No. 1/1 Texas softball heads to Women’s College World Series championship series after win against No. 8/8 Stanford

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 3, 2024

All Texas softball needed was one run. No. 8/8 Stanford made No. 1/1 Texas work for it. After facing the Longhorns late last week and twice earlier in the season, the Cardinals were very familiar...

No. 1/1 Texas softball dominates in mercy rule win against No. 7/5 Florida

No. 1/1 Texas softball dominates in mercy rule win against No. 7/5 Florida

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter June 1, 2024

A few days following senior outfielder Bella Dayton’s birthday, No. 1/1 Texas softball got her a 10-0 dominant win against No. 7/5 Florida, ending after five innings.  It was the birthday girl in...

Kavan becomes first freshman pitcher in Texas softball history to throw shutout game in Women’s College World Series as Texas beats Stanford

Kavan becomes first freshman pitcher in Texas softball history to throw shutout game in Women’s College World Series as Texas beats Stanford

Lauren Hightower, Senior Sports Reporter May 31, 2024

On the No. 1/1 Texas softball team, two freshmen dominated in a 4-0 shutout against No. 8/8 Stanford.  Freshman outfielder Kayden Henry and freshman pitcher Teagan Kavan have grown together on the...

No. 1 Texas softball hitting hard in 5-2 win against Iowa State

No. 1 Texas softball hitting hard in 5-2 win against Iowa State

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter April 28, 2024

In a 5-2 win against Iowa State, the game started as usual: No. 1 Texas softball lined up near home plate, their burnt orange uniforms matching the color of the infield. But in this game, the burnt...

Home Run Heroes: Truist program gives $100 to Developing Neighborhood Athletes fund for each Texas softball home run

Home Run Heroes: Truist program gives $100 to Developing Neighborhood Athletes fund for each Texas softball home run

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter April 24, 2024

Home runs can not only make an impact on the outcome of a softball game, but also on the community.  With every home run hit during Texas softball’s season, Truist Bank donates $100 to the Developing...

Sophomore Viviana Martinez and freshman Kayden Henry reach for ball during game against Oklahoma on Friday.

No. 2/1 Texas softball beats No. RV/24 Baylor in alumni game

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter April 13, 2024

With 47 Texas softball alumni in the stands, No. 2/1 Texas softball defeated No. RV/24 Baylor 9-6 after battling back and forth for runs.  Before the game started, former catcher Jacqueline Williams,...

Sophomore Viviana Martinez and freshman Kayden Henry reach for ball during game against Oklahoma on Friday.

No. 4/5 Texas softball breaks No. 1 Oklahoma winning streak with series win

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter April 8, 2024

No. 4/5 Texas broke No. 1 Oklahoma’s series winning streak ‘sooner’ than they might have expected.  Since 2011, the Sooners had not lost a series. But after a 2-1 defensive battle similar to...

Junior pitcher Mac Morgan prepares to throw the ball against Northwestern State on March 1, 2024.

No. 4/5 Texas softball learns from 5-2 loss to No. 1 Oklahoma

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter April 6, 2024

The wind may have changed the direction of the ball in the air on Friday night, but the wind didn’t blow hard enough to knock down No. 1 Oklahoma softball from their high ranking. In a seven inning...

Freshman Pitcher Teagan Kavan smiles and holds her horns up as her name is called prior to the game against NSU on March 1, 2024.

No. 2/2 Texas softball pitching struggles in 0-5 loss against No. 8/10 Oklahoma State

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter March 29, 2024

Home runs have worked in No. 2/2 Texas softball’s favor this season, but in a 0-5 loss against No. 8/10 Oklahoma State Thursday night, home runs left Texas playing catch-up. Before the Longhorn’s...

No. 3/2 Texas softball battles in a 4-2 win against UCF

No. 3/2 Texas softball battles in a 4-2 win against UCF

Lauren Hightower, Lauren Hightower March 24, 2024

Despite fans cheering “U-C-F” loudly in the background, No. 3/2 Texas softball held on to a close game, winning 4-2 in the second game of its three game series against the University of Central Florida. The...

No. 3/2 Texas softball dominates in 10-0 win against No. 17/18 Florida State

No. 3/2 Texas softball dominates in 10-0 win against No. 17/18 Florida State

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter March 21, 2024

On the road to play an unranked UCF in a three-game series this weekend, No. 3/2 Texas softball stopped to pick up a 10-0 win against No. 17/18 Florida State.  “This is great momentum,” junior...

Senior outfielder Bella Dayton drops her bat as she runs towards first base on Friday. Dayton had 1 hit and 1 run to contribute to the Longhorns 10-2 victory over Northwestern State.

Getting a blue ribbon: Bella Dayton acknowledged in No. 2/1 Texas softball 8-1 win against UTA

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter March 7, 2024

Blue bow tied in her hair, senior outfielder Bella Dayton took the field for her last game before conference play starts. Cheering her on alongside the rest of her family was a “cute little guy in...

Sophomore pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez prepares to pitch on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Gutierrez had a season high of seven strikeouts during this game against Hofstra.

No. 2 Texas softball sweeps Hofstra in Longhorn Invitational weekend games

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter March 4, 2024

In the two games played against Hofstra, No. 2 Texas softball scored a total of 17 runs, bringing their season record up to 17-1. The first game started out with a bang: first up to bat, freshman outfielder...

Sophomore Leighann Goode prepares to hit the ball during a game against Tarleton State on Friday. The Longhorns beat the Texans 17-0.

No. 2 Texas softball dominates in 17-0 win against Tarleton State

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter March 1, 2024

After a five-inning win against Northwestern State 30 minutes prior, No. 2 Texas softball dominated against Tarleton State in a 17-0 win, bringing their season record up to 16-1.  The Longhorns scored...

Sophomore catcher Reese Atwood swings and hits the ball on Feb. 21, 2024. At this matchup against Houston Christian University, Atwood hit a home run to lead the Longhorns to a 14-1 victory.

Cool under pressure: Texas softball’s Reese Atwood wins Big 12 and NFCA accolades

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 29, 2024

Pressure turns sophomore catcher Reese Atwood into a home run hotshot. In an impressive performance at the Lone Star State Invitational, the six-foot catcher from Sandia, Texas looked unfazed at the...

Catcher Reese Atwood prepares to catch a strike during Texas' game against Louisiana on Feb. 23, 2024.

Reese Atwood gets first career grand slam in No. 2/2 Texas softball 9-0 win against Colorado State

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 24, 2024

In their second matchup, No. 2/2 Texas softball swept Colorado State 9-0, ending the game at the top of the fifth inning after sophomore designated player Reese Atwood’s first career grand slam. The...

The Texas Softball team waits for sophomore Reese Atwood at home plate after she hit a home run on Feb. 23, 2024. Atwood had 2 hits and 2 runs at this game against Colorado State to contribute to the Longhorns 7-0 win in the Lone Star State Invitational.

No. 2/2 Texas shuts out Colorado State 7-0

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 23, 2024

After winning against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette earlier in the evening 5-0, No. 2/2 Texas softball continued their winning streak with a shutout win over Colorado State, 7-0.  “We...

Freshman infielder Victoria Hunter high-fives head coach Mike White as she runs past third base after hitting a home run on Feb. 21, 2024 against Houston Christian University. Hunter's home run allowed her fellow freshman Kayden Henry to score a point for the Longhorns.

Tried and true freshman: meet the 2023 Texas softball recruiting class

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 23, 2024

Talent lies in every class and position of No. 2 Texas softball, making it a force to be reckoned with this season.  The freshman class has so far proven itself to be indispensable as the No. 4 recruiting...

No. 3/3 Texas softball defeats No. 2 Tennessee 2-1

No. 3/3 Texas softball defeats No. 2 Tennessee 2-1

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 17, 2024

The last time Texas softball faced Tennessee was in the 2023 NCAA Super Regionals. Tennessee won the series, ending the Longhorns’ season. This year the Longhorns were back with redemption in mind...

Texas softball moves to No. 3 following undefeated Stacy Winsberg Tournament

Texas softball moves to No. 3 following undefeated Stacy Winsberg Tournament

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 14, 2024

After a monumental 5-0 weekend, the Longhorns have moved their way up in the ESPN and USA Softball rankings to No. 3 after previously being ranked No. 8/5. Texas softball started its season undefeated,...

Texas softball bullpen shines in 3-2 win against UCLA

Texas softball bullpen shines in 3-2 win against UCLA

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter February 10, 2024

Texas softball started their season with a bang and a 2-0 record.  After a run-rule and a five-inning no-hitter 19-0 win against San Diego earlier in the day, No. 8/5 Texas softball took down No. 10/8...

Linebacker Jaylan Ford on Dec. 30, 2023. Ford spoke to press during Texas’ media day ahead of the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Fans of the Sugar Bowl

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter December 30, 2023

Streetcars, jazz musicians and Saints fans usually line the streets of New Orleans, but on the first day of 2024, Texas and Washington fans will join them.   Attending the Sugar Bowl in person is...

Former Nebraska outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein transfers to Texas

Former Nebraska outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein transfers to Texas

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter December 21, 2023

After winning its second consecutive national championship, Texas volleyball is already planning ahead to try to win its third.  Whitney Lauenstein, an outside hitter for Nebraska, announced on Tuesday...

Madisen Skinner and Asjia O'Neal attempt to block a spike by Toyosi Onabanjo during a game against the University of Kansas on October 6th, 2023

Texas volleyball wins second consecutive NCAA Championship after sweeping Nebraska

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter December 17, 2023

In the midst of a sea of red at Amalie Arena in Tampa, the Texas burnt orange swept Nebraska 3-0 to take its second consecutive national championship with an ace.  With orange confetti streaming down...

Madisen Skinner and Asjia O'Neal attempt to block a spike by Toyosi Onabanjo during a game against the University of Kansas on October 6th, 2023

After slow start to the season, Texas volleyball is prepared to defend last year’s national title

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter December 13, 2023

After a 3-1 win against Stanford last week, No. 5 Texas volleyball celebrated their victory by getting head coach Jerritt Elliott and the other coaching staff to jump in the hotel pool with them.  And...

Libero Keonilei Akana during Texas' game against A&M on Nov. 30, 2023. The game was the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament, and Texas won 3-1.

No. 5 Texas volleyball moves on to round two of NCAA Championship after beating Texas A&M

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter December 1, 2023

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns beat the Texas A&M Aggies 3-1 to move to the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament where they will be playing against SMU on Friday. Both Aggie and Longhorn fans...

Senior middle blocker Asjia O'Neal jumps up to spike the ball on Nov. 11, 2023 against Cincinnati. O'Neal had a total of 9 kills at this game.

No. 5 Texas Volleyball to play Texas A&M in NCAA Championship first round

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 29, 2023

The first round of the NCAA Championship will start at home for defending national champion No. 5 Texas volleyball with a challenging first game against a Southeastern Conference opponent.  Not just...

Texas Tech Athletics - AthleteSam_Ehlinger2_TexasTech_Texas_200926

Head to Head History: Texas Tech

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 21, 2023

Dear Texas Tech,    We’ve been together for a long time.  In 1928, the year penicillin was discovered and Herbert Hoover was elected president, we played our first game against each other....

New Football Signees

New Football Signees

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 16, 2023

As the regular season begins to settle for college football and signing day approaches, here is a look at the top recruits that have made a verbal commitment to Texas:    Colin Simmons Five-star...

Senior middle-blocker Asjia O’Neal jumps spikes the ball toward the Iowa State volleyball team on Nov. 15, 2023. Texas won 3-1.

No. 5 Texas volleyball becomes Big 12 Champions after 3-1 win against Iowa State

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 16, 2023

Last season, Iowa State beat Texas 3-2 in Texas’ first and only loss of the season.  And after four hard-earned sets, No. 5 Texas got redemption against an unranked Iowa State, won their seventh...

Madisen Skinner and Asjia O'Neal attempt to block a spike by Toyosi Onabanjo during a game against the University of Kansas on October 6th, 2023

Kansas State sweeps No. 3 Texas 3-0 in Longhorns’ first conference loss

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 10, 2023

No. 3 Texas volleyball was swept by unranked Kansas State in Manhattan on Wednesday night.  This is the last time these teams will face each other in conference play because of Texas’ move to the...

Keys to the Game: TCU

Keys to the Game: TCU

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 9, 2023

TCU is not the same football team that beat Texas 17-10 last season.  The Frogs lost eight of their starters to the NFL Draft. Five current offensive starters are injured, including TCU junior quarterback...

Longhorns in the NFL

Longhorns in the NFL

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter November 2, 2023

DeShon Elliott, Miami Dolphins After signing a one-year, $1.77 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, DeShon Elliott looked to get a contract extension and compete for a starting spot at safety. The...

Texas Volleyball team celebrates in-between sets on Sept. 3, 2023.

No. 5 Texas volleyball sweeps No. 20 Baylor, 3-0

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 28, 2023

The Bears have never won a game against the Longhorns at Gregory Gym. The 50-0 streak was not broken on Friday night.  After battling No. 20 Baylor to win 3-2 the night before, No. 5 Texas entered the...

Notes on the Coach: BYU’s Kalani Sitake

Notes on the Coach: BYU’s Kalani Sitake

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 27, 2023

On Saturday, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake will stand on the sideline opposing Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. But it wasn’t too long ago that they stood on the same sideline.  Sarkisian and...

Houston Cougars' Quarterback Donovan Smith

Opponents to Watch: Houston

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 19, 2023

Despite only having a 3–3 record, Houston’s only conference win occurred last week in a huge upset against West Virginia. The game ended 41-39 with an impressive showing by the Cougar offense, which...

Asjia O’Neal spikes the ball towards the Kansas volleyball team on Oct. 5, 2023 in Gregory Gym. Texas won in four sets against the Jayhawks.

No. 7 Texas volleyball sweeps No. 21 Houston in weekend series

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 15, 2023

Traveling to Houston for the first time since 2007, the Longhorns played their games in an arena filled with over 7,000 people and drove back home to Austin with two back-to-back wins, remaining undefeated...

Madisen Skinner and Asjia O'Neal attempt to block a spike by Toyosi Onabanjo during a game against the University of Kansas on October 6th, 2023

No. 8 Texas volleyball sweeps No. 17 Kansas, 3-0

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 8, 2023

After a 3-0 win against the Jayhawks, the Longhorns remain undefeated in the Big 12. Learning from their previous game, Texas celebrated historic moments and got a lead large enough to bring some players...

Heisman Watch: Week 6

Heisman Watch: Week 6

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 5, 2023

Like the rivalry between the Longhorns and the Sooners, competition for the Heisman trophy is fierce. Even though college football is only in Week 5 and there are still more opportunities for players to...

Emma halter serves the ball at game on Sep. 3, 2023

No. 10 Texas fights for every set, winning 3-1 against No. 9 BYU

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter October 1, 2023

No. 9 BYU has only lost three games this season: two against No. 10 Texas and one game against No. 7 Washington State. Meeting for the first time in the Big 12, the Longhorns won both games in the series...

Head to Head History: Kansas

Head to Head History: Kansas

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 28, 2023

Traveling to Austin to play during a triple-digit heat index, No. 24 Kansas will face off against No. 3 Texas for the 22nd time in program history, but for the first time as ranked opponents.  And...

UT vs. Baylor: Keys to the Game

UT vs. Baylor: Keys to the Game

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 21, 2023

Highlighting the first Big 12 conference game of the season, the rivalry between Baylor and Texas runs strong; only Texas A&M and Oklahoma have played more games against Texas than the Bears. This...

Longhorns volleyball against Washington State on Sep. 15, 2023.

No. 6 Texas volleyball falls to No. 11 Washington State, 1-3

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 16, 2023

Earlier this week, both No. 6 Texas volleyball and No. 11 Washington State came back from losing their first set and met the expectations of a challenging match. However, after four sets on Friday night,...

Longhorns volleyball against Washington State on Sep. 15, 2023.

No. 6 Texas volleyball battles No. 19 Ohio State, winning 3-1

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 15, 2023

The rain didn’t stop Texas fans from showing up at Gregory Gymnasium to watch No. 6 Texas volleyball play No. 19 Ohio State. The weather didn’t distract the Longhorns from their mission, winning the...

Texas fans cheer after the Longhorns defeated Alabama 34-24. The teams played at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 9, 2023.

Notes from the Opponent: Wyoming Cowboys

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 14, 2023

In preparation for Texas’ football game against Wyoming, The Daily Texan spoke to the Mountain West Connection’s Wyoming football beat writer Ethan Graham about what to expect from the Cowboys this...

Texas Volleyball team celebrates in-between sets on Sept. 3, 2023.

No. 7 Texas volleyball sweeps Florida Gulf Coast at home

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 10, 2023

Facing each other for the first time, No. 7 Texas volleyball swept Florida Gulf Coast University in the team’s first win at Gregory Gymnasium this season.  Coming into the game with a 4-2 record...

Games to Watch

Games to Watch

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter September 7, 2023

All of these teams won their respective game last week, but only half of these teams can start the season with a 2–0 record. Here are some of the top matchups to look out for this weekend:    No....

Notes on the coach — Rice

Notes on the coach — Rice

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter August 31, 2023

Under the direction of head coach Mike Bloomgren, Rice football has progressed like a turtle crossing the road: slowly, with bumps in the path, but making progress. This season will not only mark a...

Texas Volleyball players huddle up during game against Minnesota on Aug. 29, 2023.

No. 7 Texas volleyball knocks off No. 5 Minnesota away from home

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter August 30, 2023

After an upsetting loss against Long Beach State on Aug. 25 that moved No. 1 Texas to No. 7, Texas Volleyball was eager to prove themselves against another top 10 team.  From the beginning of the road...

Texas golfer Bentley Cotton heads to US Women’s Amateur Championship

Texas golfer Bentley Cotton heads to US Women’s Amateur Championship

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter July 31, 2023

With the putting green beneath her feet, senior Bentley Cotton knows how to stay composed despite next week’s hectic schedule. As she exchanges a laugh with her caddy, Cotton takes a deep breath and...

Former Longhorn swimmer Caspar Corbeau to represent Netherlands in 2023 World Aquatics Championships

Former Longhorn swimmer Caspar Corbeau to represent Netherlands in 2023 World Aquatics Championships

Lauren Hightower, General Sports Reporter July 17, 2023

As Texas graduate swimmer Caspar Corbeau wrapped up his training camp in Hungary, it was finally time to move to a bigger stage that would allow him to represent and honor his family’s culture.  With...

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