Mackenzie Collins has shifted from track and field to volleyball, joining the Texas volleyball program in anticipation of the 2026 season. Having originally pledged to play volleyball at Texas A&M, she instead dedicated the past two years to track at the University of Texas. This past spring, Collins competed in the 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, and 400-meter hurdles, with a notable seventh-place finish in the 400 hurdles at the SEC outdoor championships.
Now, Collins is returning to volleyball, wearing the No. 7 jersey for the Texas Longhorns. In 2025, she was ranked the 18th-best middle blocker in her class and 92nd overall by PrepDig. While her height might not match the expectations for a middle blocker in the power conference, her elite athleticism and quick burst off the court make her a promising addition to the team.
Team roster updates
Collins joins the Texas volleyball roster, which now includes 15 players. Her arrival addresses a critical need at the middle blocker position. Ayden Ames, a two-year starter at middle blocker for the Longhorns, transferred to Creighton, and no middle blockers were added through the transfer portal. This leaves the team with limited options at that position.
Currently, sophomore Taylor Harvey and redshirt junior Nya Bunton are the only players listed as middle blockers. Additionally, redshirt freshman Addy Guido has cross-trained at both the outside hitter and middle blocker positions. If 2027 commitment Camille Presley reclassifies to join the 2026 class, she and Collins could provide significant depth at the middle blocker role, strengthening the team's options for both practice and competition.