Volleyball dedicates day to fans
Aug. 21, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Volleyball teams opens the 2010 season in less than a week, and still the Texas Longhorns dedicated Saturday to their fans. After kicking off the day with the annual Orange-White Scrimmage during the Texas Two Step at Gregory Gym, the Longhorns also hosted `Saturday in the Sand' at the sand courts in Zilker Park. Head coach Jerritt Elliott and his team wanted the extra opportunity to meet and mingle with followers of the program, answer questions and also take time for autographs. "It's been really good to see the support, both at the Texas Two Step this morning and at the sand courts," freshman setter Hannah Allison said. "It feels great to know that so many people are interested in volleyball and our team this year. There's a lot of excitement already for the beginning of the season." For the third straight season, the volleyball and football teams came together for the Texas Two Step. Football held its fan appreciation day inside of the gym, and the hundreds who waited in line for autographs also got a special sneak peak as the volleyball team played under the lights. Junior libero Sydney Yogi said it probably wasn't the prettiest action on the court, but it's all part of the preparation for UT's season opener on Friday, Aug. 27 against TCU at the Burnt Orange Classic. Fans were able to stay after the scrimmage and meet the coaches and student-athletes. "They're with us in the beginning, and we know they'll be with us in the end and all season long," Yogi said. Some from the Two Step even returned later Saturday evening at Zilker Park. In a more intimate setting, the Longhorns were able to talk about their upcoming season and take questions from the assembled crowd. Rachael Adams even showed off her skills as a moderator. "It's been fun for us to be able to interact with our fans," Yogi said. "It feels like it's grown over the past few years, and we're attracting new and different fans, maybe people who weren't interested in volleyball before." The occasion was also special for the young girls in attendance who play volleyball. They've previously witnessed the Longhorns on the court and in matches, but Saturday provided the opportunity for conversations. "It shows that we have diehard fans. A lot of Texas fans are like that, and it's great that volleyball is bringing in that kind of support," Yogi said. "They're out here and it's 105 degrees."
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