Abby Vander Wal injury update: Texas Longhorns OH leaves game against TCU

Texas Longhorns outside hitter Abby Vander Wal (6) reaches for a ball in the third set of the Longhorns' summer scrimmage against the Rice Owls in Gregory Gymnasium, Aug. 14, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)

During the opening set of Texas volleyball's first match in the Players Era Showcase against TCU, outside hitter Abby Vander Wal exited the game. 

A scramble on the left side led to the sophomore falling on her side and staying down for the duration of the point. She was seen clutching her knee and hopped off with the help of training staff because she could not put pressure on her leg. 

She did not return during the set. 

Vander Wal's loss is a blow to the Longhorns' hitting (she had two kills on the match) and her topspin serve ignited a pair of runs for the Longhorns earlier in the set. She did not return to the match after Texas swept TCU.

This is a developing story

Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.

This article originally published at Abby Vander Wal injury update: Texas Longhorns OH leaves game against TCU.