Texas will be without Abby Vander Wal for the rest of the season after the sophomore outside hitter tore the ACL in her left knee during Saturday’s 3-0 win over TCU, Texas officials confirmed Monday.
The injury hit in the opening set of the Longhorns’ shutout of the Horned Frogs during the Players Era Volleyball Showcase in Las Vegas, when Vander Wal’s left knee buckled as she landed after a spike. Texas said the 6-foot-3 outside hitter is expected to miss the remainder of the No. 2 team’s season.
Vander Wal’s absence is a major blow for a Texas group that has already had to adjust. In Sunday’s follow-up against No.
1 Nebraska, sophomore middle blocker Taylor Harvey spent time at outside hitter to help cover for the missing starter. The Longhorns fell 3-0 to the Cornhuskers at T-Mobile Arena.
Texas is now 2-2 and turns to its home opener against No. 15 USC at 8 pm CT on Wednesday.
A member of the SEC All-Freshman team in 2025, Vander Wal had already established herself as one of Texas’ most important pieces. She finished her freshman season with 280 kills, 34 blocks, 67 digs and six assists.
The Elmhurst, Ill., native arrived at Texas with a strong résumé as well. She was the 2024 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year and also played for the 2026 USA Women’s U21 National Team that captured gold at the NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup.
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