AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to seek private developer(s) to plan, design, construct, equip, finance and operate a small multipurpose public arena to serve as the competition home for the Longhorns’ four-time National Champion Women’s Volleyball and an adjacent student-athlete housing facility, with minimal financial outlay from the University. The project will encompass approximately 4 acres in the Athletics and Entertainment District of UT’s main campus, located north of East MLK Jr. Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and Interstate 35.

“It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” said UT President Jim Davis. “This is a unique development that will enhance the University’s athletics facilities and housing portfolio and benefit students, Longhorn fans and our city for years to come. I am grateful to our Board of Regents for their support for our vision.”

The arena aims to seat approximately 6,000 fans, with the flexibility to expand seating for concerts, shows and University events that complement the adjacent Moody Center. The student-athlete housing facility is envisioned to provide a best-in-class housing experience for the University’s student-athletes that reflects UT’s commitment to recruiting and developing premier talent. Additionally, it could provide ground-level retail opportunities that will enhance the campus, community, and visitors’ experience.

“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” said Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.”

The RFP seeks private developers who have successfully developed and operated best-in-class, multipurpose public arenas, student housing and retail facilities, and who have the financial capability to contribute all or a substantial portion of the cost to develop, build and operate the new facilities. Under the proposed public-private collaboration, UT would own both the arena and student-athlete housing properties, and an outside entity would operate them.

UT issued the RFP Dec. 10 after the UT System Board of Regents authorized it last month. The 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation will lead the RFP process, and developer(s) will have the option to submit proposals for both or each facility by Feb. 6. The specific timeline and financial arrangement between the University and developer(s) will be determined through negotiations before any agreement is reached.

The AVCA is please to name its 2025 All-America teams for NCCAA Division I women’s volleyball.

There are two seven-member All-America teams, a first team and a second team, and the 14 student-athletes chosen in 2025 represent 10 different NCCAA schools. Cedarville University leads the way with three All-Americans, and Columbia International University and Ottawa University Arizona each have two All-Americans.

2025 NCCAA Division I All-Americans

LAFAYETTE ― The Journal & Courier recognizes the 14 best volleyball players 4A and 3A to be voted onto the All-Area Big Schools team.

Here are the top players and members who were selected to the 2025 Journal & Courier All-Area team, as voted on by coaches.

The Wisconsin volleyball team earned a No. 2 recruiting ranking for the four new names they added to the team’s class of 2026. 

The four young stars, Audrey Flanagan, Kymore Scott, Lynney Tarnow and Halle Thompson, have a long list of accolades, including experiences with state and national championships and the USA Junior National Team. 

During the signing day press conference, head coach Kelly Sheffield said their recruiting focus was finding right athletes to fit the specific needs of Wisconsin. 

“There was just a very very small number that we thought would be a great fit for what we were needing,” he said.

Audrey Flanagan, outside hitter

Flanagan, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter from California, comes to Wisconsin with two national team runs, including a gold win with the US Under-19 team in the Continental Championship. 

Flanagan’s honors also include an AVCA First Team All-American, the 2024 Bay League Most Outstanding Player and the 2023 All-Bay League First Team. 

While she was injured last year, Flanagan is now back to full strength and ready to go for Wisconsin. 

“We’re getting a healthy player and one that’s going to have a huge impact for us,” Sheffield said. 

Kymora Scott, middle blocker/right side

Scott’s ability to hit off of one foot appealed to Sheffield when he first saw her play. He compared her skill to the talents of former Badgers Megan Campbell and Devyn Robinson. 

The middle blocker from Illinois was a bit out of the spotlight, Sheffield said, although her accomplishments speak for themselves.