Future Longhorns Earn First Team All-American Honors

The AVCA announced their All-Americans for the 2025 season, and it comes as no surprise that multiple of them will be wearing burnt orange next year. The class of 2026 just signed to officially join Texas next season, and they are already winning awards.

Henley Anderson

Anderson has represented the U.S. as a pin hitter on multiple national teams, earning U19 World Championship Silver and the Best Opposite award in 2025, as well as U19 NORCECA Gold in 2024. At the high school level, she led Dripping Springs to the 2023 6A State Championship and was named Central Texas Player of the Year twice. Over her career, she amassed 2,217 kills, 209 aces, 214 blocks, and 1,268 digs, breaking her school’s career kills record. Recognized nationally, Henley is a two-time AVCA First-Team All-American (2024, 2025) and a back-to-back finalist for AVCA National Player of the Year.

Emma Cugino

Cugino has been a key contributor to her club teams as a libero, helping them win multiple national titles, including the 2022 USAV 14’s Open, 2023 AAU 15 Open, and 2024 AAU 16 Open Championships, where she was named Most Outstanding Player. She has competed on the 2025 USAV U19 National Team and participated in the USAV NTDP in 2023 and 2024, also appearing on JVA and AVCA watch lists. At the high school level, she earned First-Team All-State honors as a junior and senior and was ranked the #1 player in Ohio during her senior season.

Genevieve Harris

Rounding out Texas' class of 2026, setter Genevieve Harris was a First-Team All American in 2024 and the only reason she was not honored this year is due to AVCA nomination requirements. She was awarded the Best Setter at the 2024 U19 NORCECA Championship, where she helped lead Team USA to gold. At the high school level, she led Cardinal Gibbons to a 22–0 record and the NCHSAA 4A State title in 2024, earning State Tournament MVP honors. Her season totals (578 assists, 125 digs, 77 kills, and 37 aces) anchored a dominant run and propelled her to the 2024–25 Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year award.

Immediate Impact

All three of these players in Texas' class of 2026 are ranked #1 at their respective positions at VB Adrenaline. Texas has seen a big impact from their freshman class this season, and they can expect the exact same thing heading into next year. Anderson's composure, aggressive play style, and elite athleticism will have her competing for a starting pin hitter spot on day one. Cugino's leadership, consistency, and experience in big moments make her the top libero in the country. Harris plays with a high-IQ, intentional style and brings a fire and fearlessness similar to Ella Swindle. All three will push the level of competition in the Texas gym, and all three have the skill to potentially start as true freshmen.