Texas volleyball is on a tear. After a disappointing first-round exit during last year’s NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns are currently on a 16-game winning streak, taking down Arkansas in the Longhorns’ 10th sweep of an undefeated season and Oklahoma 3-1.

A key part of that success is libero Emma Halter, who has seen her fair share of Texas volleyball. Being a senior, Halter has seen the ups and downs — she’s been part of two national championship-winning teams, but also was on the court during last year’s season-ending loss to Creighton.

Halter stands surrounded by teammates after a crucial won point.

Halter’s a veteran, but she’s been a leader on the team since long before her senior year. In her first season at Texas, she played in all 29 matches and in 98 of 100 sets. That year, Texas went on a run to win the national championship, ending the season 28-1.

The next year, as a sophomore, Halter started in all 34 matches and hasn’t missed a game since — in fact, Halter hasn’t missed a single game since she started playing Texas volleyball, and the numbers she’s put up show it.

She’s a monster when it comes to aces, hitting 141 in 2023 and 109 in 2024. And as a libero, she racked up 911 successful digs through her first three years, making her the team’s defensive giant.

More important than the stat sheet, though, is Halter’s relationship with her team. Head coach Jerritt Elliott views her as a positive force that keeps the Longhorns moving.

Halter walks off the court with Coach Elliot, beaming after the end of a set.

“She doesn’t take days off. She has this joy about the game,” head coach Jerritt Elliott said last November after a loss to Missouri. “She (shows) gratitude to everyone, with teammates and coaching staff members. She’s one of the special ones for sure.”

Teammates rely on her experience and model after her work ethic. Despite having a drop-off year last season, Halter remained a constant positive force.

“We know that it’s not an easy road, and you lose sometimes,” Halter said last year. “We know that losses don’t define literally anything, and all you can do is learn and grow from them.”

A year later, Texas looks to continue its undefeated run as the No. 2 team in the country. After experiencing the ups and downs of last season, the Longhorns are one of the strongest teams in the country, especially defensively. Texas has collected just 52 errors this season in receptions, while forcing 75 from its opponents, and has saved points with 803 digs — 202 of those are Halter’s.

The Longhorns still have three weeks of conference play left before entering the SEC Tournament, and fighting with mental fortitude is the most important part of this stretch. Texas can’t get complacent, but has to prepare itself for the marathon.

Halter's leadership style combines Joy and Gratitude for powerful positivity.

Halter knows this, and her energy and mindset empower the team.

“We always talk about ‘Texas fight’ in our gym and every single day that’s reiterated in practice,” Halter said to ESPN after the win against Alabama two weeks ago. “So when we come out here and really put it into play, it’s really encouraging. And we know that we can get through anything together.”