New Longhorn of the Week: Cari Spears

This week's New Longhorn of the Week is Cari Spears, a freshman OH from Frisco, Texas. She's coming off her senior year at Prestonwood Christian Academy, which finished the season ranked #3 in the nation by MaxPreps. Cari led her team with an eye-popping 6.2 kills/set at a ridiculous 0.428 hitting percentage, not to mention the fact that she led her team in blocks and aces as well. VB Adrenaline has her tied for the #1 overall recruit in the 2025 class at a 299 PPV (tied with another new Longhorn Abby Vander Wal), and MaxPreps agrees, awarding her with the title of National Player of the Year in the 2024 season.

It didn’t take long for the high school star to feel at home in Austin. From her first visit to campus, the freshman outside hitter knew this was the right place. “Everybody says you get that feeling and that’s what I got,” Cari said, reflecting on her commitment decision. “I really connected with the coaching staff and their philosophy behind practices, like we’re always competing.”

That competitive drive is just one part of what drew Cari in. What really sold her was the sense that she’d be valued as more than just a volleyball player. For a young athlete stepping into one of the country’s most high-profile programs, that kind of support can make all the difference. “I just felt like they saw me as more than just an athlete, and wanted me to do well outside of volleyball too,” she said.

Now a few months into her college career, Cari is settling into life as a Longhorn. Enrolling early wasn’t the original plan, her parents were hesitant to let her leave home any earlier than she absolutely had to. But after the family moved back to Texas from Virginia, it was a decision her parents could live with. And according to Cari, that decision was the right one, saying “Honestly, I feel like it’s been the biggest help.”

The switch from high school to college has not been completely smooth, but the benefit of enrolling early is that you get to go through that adjustment period throughout a longer offseason rather than struggling throughout the season. The hardest part for Cari this spring has been getting worse before she got better, adding “it was mentally really exhausting at first because you’re learning so much new stuff. You’re not seeing results right away… but now it’s all clicking, and it’s fun to see that it’s working.”

That learning curve hasn’t dimmed her trademark positivity. On the court, Spears is a high-energy presence, cheering loud, keeping things light, being funny, and making sure the team stays upbeat no matter what. She makes it a point of emphasis to stay positive in pressure situations and not bring her team down.

Off the court, Spears is embracing Austin life to the fullest. She and teammates have made it a tradition to try a new restaurant each week. Some recent favorites include Loudmouth pizza and local burrito joint Cabo Bob’s. Despite calling Chipotle her "first love" back home, she's been spending more time at the Austin alternative this semester. Cari and fellow freshman Callie are also regulars at the Domain, and Zilker park is already a favorite hangout spot. When players return to campus in June, Barton Springs is high on the summer to-do list.

But even with all the fun, Spears doesn’t lose sight of what it means to be a Longhorn. “You know the people that have come before you at Texas and how great they are,” she said. “So there’s that responsibility to keep yourself at that high standard and add something to the gym. You don’t want to bring the play down.”

With her energy, drive, and early dedication, Cari Spears is already making her mark. She has also flashed her absolute hammer of an arm throughout the spring, and Texas fans should be excited for what’s to come.