**2012 Texas Longhorns Volleyball Team**
The 2012 Texas Longhorns volleyball team represented the University of Texas at Austin during the 2012 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball season. Competing in the Big 12 Conference, the team was led by head coach Jerritt Elliott and played their home matches at Gregory Gymnasium.
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## 2012 Texas Longhorns Volleyball Team
The 2012 Texas Longhorns volleyball team was a prominent collegiate volleyball squad competing in the NCAA Division I women’s volleyball season. Representing the University of Texas at Austin, the team participated in the Big 12 Conference and was known for its strong performance throughout the season. Under the guidance of head coach Jerritt Elliott, the Longhorns aimed to build on their tradition of volleyball excellence and contend for a national championship.
### Background and Program Overview
The University of Texas at Austin has a storied volleyball program with a history of success at both the conference and national levels. Prior to the 2012 season, the Longhorns had established themselves as a perennial powerhouse, regularly qualifying for the NCAA tournament and producing numerous All-Americans and professional players. The 2012 season was part of the program’s ongoing effort to maintain its elite status in collegiate volleyball.
### Coaching Staff
The 2012 team was led by Jerritt Elliott, who was in his 12th year as head coach. Elliott had built a reputation for developing competitive teams and fostering player growth. His coaching philosophy emphasized strong defense, disciplined offense, and team cohesion. Assisting him were coaches Salima Rockwell and Erik Sullivan, both of whom contributed to player development and tactical planning.
### Team Roster
The roster featured a blend of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen. Key players included:
– **Destinee Hooker (Senior, Outside Hitter):** A dominant offensive force and team leader known for her powerful hitting and blocking.
– **Sha’Dare McNeal (Senior, Outside Hitter):** A consistent scorer and reliable passer.
– **Kelly Murphy (Junior, Setter):** The primary setter responsible for orchestrating the offense.
– **Kelsey Robinson (Sophomore, Outside Hitter):** A versatile player contributing both offensively and defensively.
– **Krista Vansant (Freshman, Outside Hitter):** A highly touted recruit who made an immediate impact.
The team’s depth allowed for strategic rotations and adaptability during matches.
### Season Performance
#### Regular Season
The Longhorns had a strong regular season, finishing with an overall record of 27–5 and a conference record of 15–1. Their performance in the Big 12 Conference was dominant, securing the regular season championship. The team’s success was marked by consistent offensive production, strong serving, and a disciplined defense.
Texas demonstrated resilience in close matches and showed the ability to adjust tactics mid-game. Their only conference loss came against a competitive opponent, but they quickly rebounded to maintain their position atop the standings.
#### Key Matches
– **Texas vs. Nebraska:** A highly anticipated matchup against a top-ranked opponent, showcasing the Longhorns’ ability to compete at the highest level.
– **Texas vs. Baylor:** A critical conference game that helped solidify Texas’s lead in the Big 12 standings.
– **Texas vs. Oklahoma State:** A match that tested the team’s depth and endurance late in the season.
These matches highlighted the team’s strengths and areas for improvement as they prepared for postseason play.
### Postseason
#### Big 12 Conference Tournament
The Longhorns entered the Big 12 Conference tournament as the top seed. They advanced to the championship match but were ultimately defeated by a strong Baylor team. Despite the loss, Texas’s regular season performance earned them a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
#### NCAA Tournament
Texas received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship. The team advanced through the early rounds with decisive victories, demonstrating their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
– **First Round:** Texas defeated their opponent in straight sets, showcasing their dominance.
– **Second Round:** The Longhorns continued their strong play, advancing with a convincing win.
– **Regional Semifinals:** Texas faced a challenging opponent but prevailed in a hard-fought match.
– **Regional Finals:** The team’s season ended in the regional final, falling short of a Final Four appearance.
The tournament run reflected the team’s competitive spirit and high level of play throughout the season.
### Player Achievements and Honors
Several players received individual accolades for their performances during the 2012 season:
– **Destinee Hooker:** Named to the All-Big 12 First Team and recognized as one of the nation’s top outside hitters.
– **Kelly Murphy:** Earned All-Big 12 honors for her role as the team’s setter.
– **Kelsey Robinson:** Received recognition for her all-around contributions on both offense and defense.
– **Krista Vansant:** Named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, highlighting her immediate impact.
The team’s success was also reflected in academic achievements and community involvement, underscoring the program’s commitment to excellence on and off the court.
### Playing Style and Strategy
The 2012 Texas Longhorns volleyball team was known for a balanced playing style that combined aggressive offense with disciplined defense. The team utilized a fast-paced offense, relying on quick sets and powerful hitting to overwhelm opponents. Defensively, the Longhorns emphasized blocking and floor defense, often forcing opponents into errors.
Coach Elliott’s strategy involved adapting to opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, making in-game adjustments to maintain competitive advantage. The team’s serving was also a key component, with players consistently applying pressure through aggressive serves.
### Facilities
Home matches were played at Gregory Gymnasium, a historic venue on the University of Texas campus. The gym provided an energetic atmosphere for fans and a home-court advantage for the Longhorns. The facility included modern training amenities that supported player development and team preparation.
### Legacy and Impact
The 2012 season contributed to the ongoing legacy of Texas Longhorns volleyball as a nationally recognized program. While the team fell short of a national championship, their strong performance reinforced the program’s status as a contender in collegiate volleyball.
The development of players like Krista Vansant, who would go on to have a successful collegiate and professional career, was a notable outcome of the season. Additionally, the leadership of senior players helped set a standard for future teams.
The 2012 team’s combination of talent, coaching, and competitive spirit exemplified the qualities that have made Texas volleyball a respected program in NCAA women’s volleyball.
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## Summary
The 2012 Texas Longhorns volleyball team had a successful season marked by a Big 12 regular season championship, a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and several individual player honors. Led by head coach Jerritt Elliott and a talented roster, the team demonstrated strong offensive and defensive capabilities. Although they did not capture a national title, the 2012 Longhorns maintained the program’s tradition of excellence and contributed to its enduring reputation in collegiate volleyball.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2012 Texas Longhorns volleyball team competed in the NCAA Division I season with a strong record, winning the Big 12 regular season and advancing to the NCAA regional finals under head coach Jerritt Elliott.