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AIAW/NCAA Tournament champion1981, 1988, 2012, 2022AIAW/NCAA

Tournament runner-up1995, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2020*AIAW/NCAA

Tournament semifinal1981, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1995, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020*, 2022

AIAW/NCAA Regional Final1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020*, 2021, 2022

AIAW/NCAA regional semifinal1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020*, 2021, 2022

AIAW/NCAA Tournament appearance 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020*, 2021, 2022

Conference tournament champion SWC
1992, 1993, 1995Conference regular season championSWC
1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995

Big 12
1997, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

* Tournament played in spring 2021; season officially labeled “2020–21” by the NCAA

Olympians

1981-1995 Coach Mick Haley

Mick Haley is a great volleyball technician, a team motivator, and a consummate teacher. More importantly, education for the students came first, and athletics were second in importance to Coach Haley. Students needed to pass classes before they earned the right to achieve athletic excellence.

• NCAA tournament starts in 1982

• 522-137-1 won loss record

• 4- trips to the NCAA semi-finals

• 6 trips to the NCAA regional final

• 4 trips to the Final four

• 1988 National Champions

• twice named coach of the year

• Olympic Coach for the 2000 Summer Games

• 15 All-Americans

• 95% graduation rate

• 12 SWC titles

• 14 years @ Texas

Coach Haley was known for his conditioning drills and his technical techniques .

After the Olympics Coach Haley is hired by USC. A link to their site about Mick Haley is below

http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/111703aaa.html

1980-1981 – 40-16 Coach Mick Haley ranked 15 nationally.

Mick Haley says his team still doesn’t know how to be winners. They are now just getting into the habit.

1980 – Mick Haley is hired to coach the Horns. The team won the SWC but did not qualify for the AIAW national tournament. Texas is seeded 3rd at the TAIAW state volleyball tourney. At the AIAW regional tournament, they lose to UT Arlington. However, the Horns reached their highest seeding in Texas volleyball.

The Horns finished with a 40-16 record and 7th in the Southwest Intercollegiate Athletics Association women’s tournament. It was their highest winning record ever for the Horns.

Joe Beth Palmer signed a scholarship in track as a shot putter, but gravitated to volleyball.

Micks philosophy

1) I help players meet their own needs and mold them into the team’s needs.

2) You should never give an opponent the chance to beat you by stopping one player

3) There’s somewhat of an art to winning. When you think you’ll win once and a while, you win sometimes. You often don’t win when you think you can upset a team.

Horns were demolished by the Japanese Sony team, but Texas learned a lot about using finesse and deception to win games.  Texas won the SWC championship, but did not qualify for the National meet.  Kim Thomas, Irma Sanchez, setter Sally Schlobohm, and Trudie Richards led the way in 1980.

1981-1982  60-6- Coach Mick Haley – AIAW National Champs

NCAA tournament play does not begin until 1982. The AIAW crowns the 1981 National Champion Longhorns – not the NCAA.

The University of Texas women’s volleyball program blossomed into a national powerhouse in just two years under head coach Mick Haley. In 1981, Mick Haley led the Longhorns to an Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) national title.

Sally Schlobohm, Jo Beth Palmer, Jenny Hayes, Leslie Lucas, Nell Fortner, and Sharon Neugebauer lead the Longhorn team.

Four members of this team are recognized as All-Americans. Schlobohm and Hayes are named to the AIAW All-America team. Palmer earns All-America distinction in the discus, and Sharon Neugebauer, as a freshman, earned All-America honors as a member of UT’s national champion 3,200-meter relay team.

Katrina Dornseifer was the team’s MVP for the year.

1982-1983 31-15 – Coach Mick Haley  SWC Champs – regional semi-finals 16th in the nation

This team sets the record for total blocks in a season. ( 512)

Longhorns have injuries to overcome this year, with Nell Fortner and Katrina Dornseifer lost early in the season. Freshman Laura Neugebauer and Ava Mercer step up to replace them for the year.

The largest crowd to ever see a Longhorn volleyball game was against Texas A & M; 3,000 fans attended.

The team wins the SWC and is invited to the NCAA as a 13th seed, losing to 4th seed Stanford.  The volleyball fan base is growing as the teams improve.

Lisa Denker- All-American

Lisa Denker holds the season record at Texas for service aces (100)

1983-1984- 33-9

Coach Mick Haley- regional semi-finals

The 1983 Longhorns went 33–9 overall, 10–0 in the Southwest Conference, won multiple major invitationals, and reached the NCAA regional semifinal, marking one of the earliest deep NCAA tournament runs in program history.

Texas faced ranked opponents such as #3 Stanford, #6 Cal Poly, #12 San Jose State, #17 Arizona State, #14 Tennessee, #7 SDSU, #3 UCLA, and #13 BYU.

Their undefeated 10–0 SWC record made them conference champions — part of a long streak of SWC dominance (Texas won the SWC regular season title every year from 1982–1993).

1984 -1985 – 32-7- Coach Mick Haley- 9th in the nation- regional finals

The 1984 Texas Longhorns women’s volleyball team was one of Mick Haley’s early NCAA-era powerhouses — a 32–7 squad that dominated the Southwest Conference, went 9–1 in league play, and advanced to the NCAA Regional Final, continuing the program’s rise toward its eventual 1988 national championship.

• Texas won the 1981 AIAW national championship, and by 1984 they were consistently advancing deep into the postseason.
• The 1984 season sits between Final Four appearances in 1986, 1987, and 1988, showing how close the program was to breaking through to national title contention.

This team sets the Longhorn season record for kills (2187)

1985-1986 – 26-6– Coach Mick Haley- regional finals 9th in the Nation

The 1985 Texas Longhorns women’s volleyball team was one of Mick Haley’s early NCAA-era powerhouses — a squad that went 26–6 overall, 10–0 in the Southwest Conference, finished 1st in the SWC, and advanced to the NCAA Regional Final

1986- 1987 – 29-6– Coach Mick Haley First time to final 4

Texas finished 29–6, went 10–0 in the Southwest Conference, defeated multiple top‑5 opponents, and reached the 1986 NCAA Final Four, placing third nationally. Texas played one of the toughest schedules in the country in 1986, facing Stanford (#1) twice, UCLA (#5) twice, Nebraska (#5), Illinois (#10), Pepperdine (#20), Georgia (#20), LSU (#16), Cal Poly (#12), and SDSU (#1).

1987-1988 – 25-10 COACH Haley – Final 4 APPEARANCES

This team played the hardest schedule in UT volleyball history as of 1988 and reached the Final 4. The 1987 Texas Longhorns volleyball season was one of the strongest of the Jerritt Elliott–era predecessors, marked by a 25–10 overall record, a perfect 10–0 Southwest Conference run, and a deep NCAA Tournament push that ended in a five‑set thriller against Stanford.

Haley said it was his most fun team to coach because the players were conscientious, skilled, focused, and disciplined in training habits.

1988-1989 – 34-5 Coach Haley National Champions

Texas went 34–5, 10–0 in the SWC, swept the entire NCAA Tournament without dropping a single set. Texas swept Hawaii for the National Championship.

The team only returned two starters from last year’s final 4 team. Pacific beat them again, and then UCLA did the same. The Horns win 33 conference games and a 6th consecutive SWC. Haley says this team is one of his best because of their training, skills, and eating habits.

First non-Pacific volleyball team to win the Final Four.

Haley said beating the West Coast teams was a “time-warp, quantum leap victory “ for the rest of the country.

Coach Haley says “Every coach reaches a career point when he or she plays a match to accomplish something as much as to get a win.  You need to get something out of every match, even the losses.   Haley says about his teaching philosophy “ I believe in a healthy lifestyle, intensity, and execution. Haley excels in managerial skills and tactical knowledge.

Before playing the undefeated UCLA team the Horns had to practice around final exams.  Haley said this team had one of the highest GPAs this year.

Dawn Davenport

Dawn Davenport is named to the SWC player of the decade for the 80s, NCAA National Player of the Year, and in 1989 received an NCAA postgraduate scholarship.

Dawn Davenport says, “ If you’re constantly thinking, I’ve got to get my stats up to be an All-American. I’ve got to play well here to get this honor, then you’re going to take away from the team, and without the team, you can’t get any award at all. It can be the death of you and your team if you concentrate on those awards.”
A rule change in the high school UIL allowed kids to spend more time outside of school to play volleyball.

Dawn Davenport is a first-team All-American. Katie Salen and Sue Schelfhout make the all-tournament team. Dagmara Szyszczak breaks a record for digs and Dawn Davenport sets a school record of .322 hitting percentage.

This team holds the season record for digs (2449), sweeps in a season (26), and Big 12 winning streak (44).

First non-Pacific volleyball team to win the Final Four. Dawn Davenport is a first-team All-American. Katie Salen and Sue Schelfhout make the all-tournament team. Dagmara Szyszczak breaks a record for digs and Dawn Davenport sets a school record of .322 hitting percentage.

This team holds the season record for digs (2449), sweeps in a season (26), assists (1859), and winning streak (44).

This team is the first team in Division I Volleyball to defeat every opponent in the NCAA tournament 3-0.

1989-1990 27-10- Coach Mick Haley win SWc – regional finals

Nikkie Busch was the team leader with 408 kills and 3 kills per game. She made the All-SWC first team. Errica Hibben had 53 solo blocks and 133 block assists.

1989 photo above is volleyball Nikki Busch, Errica Hibben, Annette Garza, Nikki Busch again.

The volleyball team won the SWC with a perfect season. Horns finished 3rd in a Hawaii tournament, with Dagmara Szyszczak making the all-tournament team. The Lady Longhorns advanced to the South Region finals but lost to the UT-Arlington Mavericks at the national tournament.

1990- 1991 – 31-4  Coach Mick Haley- Regional finals

The Horns started off with a 26-0 record, and Haley won his 600th game. Then the Horns fell to Nebraska and Stanford. The season ended with a loss to LSU in the NCAA playoffs.

The team starts strong with 26 wins in a row and a SWC championship but is surprised by LSU in the regional finals.

TOP SONG

 7th in the nation

This team holds the Longhorn  record for longest  winning streak (26)

1991-1992 – 20-10- Coach Mick Haley 11th in the nation- Regional semi-finals

By 1991, Longhorn volleyball had ten consecutive appearances in the NCAA volleyball championship. Advancing to the Final 4 three times, winning it all in the NCAA in 1988 and the AIAW national championship in 1981. Coach Haley was the driving force for 14 All-Americans, 47 All-SWC selections, 10 SWC players of the year, and ten consecutive SWC titles. He attributes the success to depth, leadership, schedule, and fan support. Nikki Busch was SWC player of the year.

Coach Haley recognized three seniors as team leaders. Nikki Busch was an All-American and SWC player of the year. Janine Gremmel became the third-leading attacker in Texas history, leading the team in career digs with 1541. Missy Kurt was a team player and gave herself up for the team.

Annette Garza led the team with 381 kills. Pfluger had 31 service aces. Errica Hibben played on the South team at the 1990 Olympic festival.

Donna Lopiano says, “Mick Haley’s real gift is understanding the technical aspect of the game to make the team superior.” In 1991, Nikki Busch was an All-American and SWC player of the year. Janine Gremmel is the third-leading attacker in Longhorn history. Haley says there are four tenets to volleyball success: depth, leadership, schedule, and fans.

Horns lose to Florida in the semifinals of the NCAA South Regional finals.

1992 -1993 – 29-6- Coach Mick Haley- regional finals

Mick Haley won his 400th victory at Texas on Oct. 7th, beating Texas A&M. Horns to make their 11th consecutive appearance in the NCAA and win their 11th consecutive SWC championship. Katy Jameyson is SWC player of the year. Errica Hibben makes the All-Conference team, and Heather Pfluger makes the All-SWC academic team.

The 1991 Texas Longhorns volleyball team still dominant in the Southwest Conference, still nationally relevant, but no longer the unstoppable juggernaut of 1986–1990. It’s a transitional season between the late‑80s dynasty and the powerhouse rebuild that would peak again in 1992–1995.

Boyz to Men were popular in 1992 – top Song

Errica Hibben holds the Longhorn career record for total blocks (531) and block assists (414)

1993-1994  – 31-3- Coach Mick Haley – Regional finals

Coral Noonan-Terry was the “feature twirler from 1993-2001. ” She says the atmosphere at volleyball games was so exciting, and the athletes were awesome.

Jameson writes Coach Haley and said she wants to be a Longhorn. Katy Jameson missed some of the year with iron deficiency. Carrie Bush says that Haley will push you to the edge but only because he knows you can do it. Nikki and Carrie Bush are siblings on Haley’s team and both make major contributions to the team.

1994-1995 – 23-10 – Coach Mick Haley NCAA second roung

Texas made the NCAA tournament in 1994 but did not reach the regional semifinal, breaking a long streak of deeper postseason runs. 1994 sits in the late‑SWC period, just before the 1995 team surged to an NCAA runner‑up finish

1995 – 1996- 28-7- Coach Mick Haley Runners up to National CHAMPIONSHIP

This was the first time in Mick Haley’s 16-year career at Texas that the Longhorns did not begin their season with a win.  It was the first time in Longhorn volleyball history that Texas dropped three consecutive matches.  The Horns had lost to Hawaii, UCLA, and Minnesota, but the Horns finally found their groove and played Nebraska for the National championship.

1996-1997 – 23-7- Coach Mick Haley Regional semi-finals

11th in the nation

Texas and Nebraska break the Longhorn volleyball attendance record in Austin. ( 6,385)

• 84-38 record

• Made the NCAA tournament 3 of 4 years

• Big 12 Champion

• 4 years @ Texas

1997-1998 record 25-7- – Coach Jim Moore ; ranked 10th in the nation

Texas won the Big 12 and advanced to its 16th straight NCAA tournament.

TOP SONG

1998-1999 – 27-5 – Coach Jim Moore pending 8th ranked

Demetria Sance is a three-time All-American and 1997 Big 12 conference player of the year.  She is the all-time kills leader with 1500.   Texas received an at-large bid to the 1998 NCAA volleyball national tournament.  It was Texas 17 straight trip to the NCAA tournament.  Long Beach State kept the Horn from reaching the final 4.

The remodel of Gregory gym is completed

1999-2000- 22-8– Coach Jim Moore pending ranked 18th

Texas loses to the University of Arizona at home in the NCAA regionals. Still, It was Texa’s 26th consecutive 20 -win season and UT’S 18th straight appearance in the NCAA tournament.  .  Jill Gremmel set the UT record for 1400 plus assists in back to back years. Texas finished 3rd in the Big 12 tournament. Texas 46 game winning streak against Baylor is over. Baylor beats  Texas for the first time in Volleyball school history.

 Erin Aldrich was the super star on the team her senior year.  She was the 12th Longhorn named to the All-American team

Aldrich is not only a three-time NCAA champion in the high jump but also an All-America middle blocker for Texas’s No. 12-ranked volleyball team.

“I’m convinced Erin could be the best volleyball player who has ever played in this country,” says Texas coach Jim Moore. “She’s so good already, and she only does it four or five months a year. She has gifts for volleyball that no one has ever had.” However, Aldrich says she enjoys individual sports (high jump) more than team sports. In Sports, Illustrated Erin is quoted as saying, “I find myself in volleyball being so focused on what I need to do, and a little bit closed off from my teammates.” She says about the volleyball team “Our biggest problem is holding each other accountable. ” Aldrich says. “If somebody makes a bad play, we don’t look at her and say, ‘You need to get that ball.’ Instead, we’re like ‘O.K., guys, we’ll do better.’ We are so nice to each other; I can’t believe it. It’s just crazy how cohesive we are. We are way too cohesive.” Many who know Erin say they have never met anyone as competitive as her.” Her years as a Longhorn were focused on school and competing. There was little time for socializing with her schedule and goals. Sports were the focus of her life, and she confirmed that statement in 1999 when she said: “I do believe and hope that I can hold the world record in the high jump.”