The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Nevada's Galler transfers to Volleyball program
08.03.2004 | Volleyball
AUSTIN, Texas -- Lauren Galler, who started 22 of 26 matches for the University of Nevada volleyball team in 2003, has transferred to The University of Texas, school officials announced on Tuesday. Galler will be eligible to play in the upcoming 2004 season.
The 5-10 outside hitter from Austin, Texas, will be a sophomore for Longhorns head coach Jerritt Elliott this fall. As a freshman for the Wolf Pack, Galler posted 203 kills and was third on the team with a 2.45 a kills-per-game average. Galler had a team-high 41 aces and added 33 blocks (one solo, 32 block assists) and 155 digs, as well. She recorded four double-doubles in 2003 and had career highs of 16 kills (at Boise State on Nov. 14) and 18 digs (vs. San Jose State on Nov. 8). She also recorded eight aces in the team's four-game match against Arizona State (Sept. 6).
"We're excited about the addition of Lauren to our team," Elliott said. "She is a solid player and a local product who will add some depth on the outside. She also has a real live arm so it will be fun to get her in the gym with the rest of the team."
A product of Leander High School, Galler was coached by Texas legend Sally Schlobohm-Tan, the 1981 Broderick Award winner as the national player of the year. Galler was an all-state selection as a senior at Leander and was also the district co-MVP, following up solo MVP honors as a junior. She was also honored as the district newcomer of the year as a sophomore.
Galler is the fifth newcomer to the UT squad this season, joining a freshman class of four (Jen Christian, Sarah Holloway, Alyson Jennings and Michelle Moriarty). In all, Elliott and his staff return four starters (and the libero) and six letterwinners from the 2003 team, including two honorable mention American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans (seniors Mira Topic and Bethany Howden).
The Texas volleyball team opens its fall training camp on Thursday, August 12 in Austin before kicking off the 2004 season on Friday, Sept. 3 at the SMU Tournament in Dallas against the host Mustangs at 3 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. The Horns will also face Cal Poly (11 a.m.) and Northern Arizona (5 p.m.) on Saturday, Sept. 4, in other games in the tournament.
