Texas Volleyball Dominates Preseason Buzz as Two Star Athletes Earn Spots on 2025 SEC Coaches’ All-SEC Team Roster

The SEC’s preseason announcement brought good news to Austin as Texas Volleyball placed two of its top student-athletes on the 2025 Preseason All-SEC Team. The recognition, revealed Tuesday morning by the Southeastern Conference, solidifies the Longhorns’ position as one of the premier programs in the nation as they gear up for their second season competing in the SEC.

The selections speak volumes about both individual excellence and team potential heading into what promises to be another electric year for the Texas program under head coach Jerritt Elliott. Known for building a dynasty at Texas, Elliott has led the Longhorns to national prominence and is now poised to conquer the SEC landscape with the same intensity.

The two players named to the Preseason All-SEC Team are outside hitter Madison Skinner and setter Ella Swindle — both integral components of Texas’ championship aspirations. Skinner, a seasoned leader with a powerful swing and elite-level experience, and Swindle, the team’s maestro who orchestrates the offense with precision and poise beyond her years, are now officially recognized as two of the best in the conference before the first serve of the season.

Madison Skinner, now entering her final collegiate season, is no stranger to accolades. A multi-time AVCA All-American and former National Champion, Skinner transferred to Texas from Kentucky and has since become the heartbeat of the team’s offensive attack. Her ability to rise to the moment in high-pressure situations has been a consistent theme throughout her career. Last season, she led the team in kills and often set the tone early with her relentless energy on the court. The preseason honor reinforces her status as a feared and respected presence in every gym she walks into.

Skinner’s leadership also goes beyond her impressive stats. Teammates speak highly of her locker room presence, noting her work ethic and ability to mentor younger players. As the SEC schedule looms with its traditionally tough matchups and passionate fan bases, having a steady veteran like Skinner will be key to navigating the road ahead.

Ella Swindle’s inclusion on the list is equally significant. As a rising star, Swindle has already carved out a reputation for being one of the sharpest setters in college volleyball. Her ability to make quick decisions, deliver precise sets, and adapt mid-play makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Swindle’s high volleyball IQ, honed by elite club and national team experience before joining the Longhorns, has translated seamlessly into the college game.

Last season, Swindle took over the starting role and never looked back, finishing the year with over 1,100 assists and orchestrating a balanced offense that kept defenses guessing. Her chemistry with Skinner, as well as other attackers like Asjia O’Neal and Madi Stucky, made the Longhorns’ offense one of the most efficient in the country.

Her inclusion on the preseason team not only recognizes her past performance but sets the stage for what could be a breakout season. With another offseason of development and an even deeper understanding of Elliott’s system, Swindle is primed to take her game — and the Texas offense — to an even higher level.

This preseason recognition is also a reflection of the expectations being placed on Texas as a whole. Since joining the SEC, the Longhorns have quickly asserted themselves as a powerhouse, and many expect them to contend for the conference title again in 2025. The recognition of Skinner and Swindle as preseason all-conference players serves as confirmation that the rest of the league knows just how dangerous Texas can be.

It’s not just about individual talent, however. Texas brings back a solid core from last season’s NCAA Tournament squad and has supplemented its roster with a top-ranked recruiting class that includes multiple Under Armour All-Americans. The depth, versatility, and experience on this team are unmatched in the conference, and the preseason honors only add to the mounting anticipation for what Texas could achieve in its second SEC campaign.

Coach Elliott has been vocal about the team’s goals this season, and being recognized in preseason awards is a good checkpoint — but it’s not the final destination. In multiple offseason interviews, Elliott has emphasized the importance of building chemistry, mastering the details, and focusing on the ultimate prize: another national championship.

He understands the challenge of transitioning into a new conference and the need to stay consistent amid fresh rivalries and unfamiliar road environments. But if last season’s seamless shift into SEC play is any indication, the Longhorns are ready to handle everything that comes their way — and then some.

The preseason All-SEC Team is voted on by the league’s 16 head coaches and is one of the most respected honors ahead of the season. That Skinner and Swindle earned spots speaks not only to their dominance on the stat sheet but also the respect they’ve garnered from coaches across the conference.

Texas is expected to open the 2025 campaign ranked in the top five nationally once the AVCA poll is released. The program’s consistency, player development, and elite culture have made it a magnet for top-tier talent and a nightmare for opponents. The Longhorns have built a national brand that travels well, and the SEC spotlight will only magnify that.

This year’s SEC volleyball slate is loaded with must-see matchups, including home and away dates with perennial contenders like Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The SEC, traditionally known for its football dominance, has quickly become a volleyball force, and Texas is now firmly entrenched as one of the league’s banner programs.

Beyond Skinner and Swindle, Texas will also rely on a deep bench and strong sophomore and junior classes. Libero Emma Halter, middle blocker Bella Bergmark, and outside hitter Jenna Wenaas are all expected to contribute significantly. With such a complete roster, Texas isn’t just aiming for individual awards — the goal is a collective march through the SEC and deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Still, Tuesday’s announcement in Birmingham serves as a welcome reminder: the rest of the conference is watching, and the expectations are sky-high. For Skinner, Swindle, and the entire Texas roster, that spotlight is nothing new — and nothing they shy away from.

The 2025 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in the legacy of Texas Volleyball. With two preseason All-SEC stars leading the way, the Longhorns are ready to chase greatness, one set at a time. The countdown to first serve is officially on — and with it, the buzz surrounding Texas Volleyball only continues to build.