Former Pitt outside hitter Torrey Stafford has found a new home at a program that recently won a national championship.
Stafford — a first-team All-American outside hitter from Torrance, Calif. — committed to Texas, she announced Thursday night on Instagram. The Longhorns had a “down” year by their standards but swept Nebraska to win the national championship in 2023.
Stafford shockingly entered the transfer portal last month after two seasons with the Panthers. It was a major loss for head coach Dan Fisher and the Panthers, one that stings even more with the commitment to Texas.
She was one of the best players in women’s college volleyball this season, earning All-ACC and All-American honors and being named a semifinalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year.
Stafford will have two seasons of collegiate eligibility at Texas.
Stafford was one of the three first-team All-Americans that powered the Panthers this season, racking up 400 kills (3.7 per set) while hitting an outstanding .358%. She added 44 assists, 20 aces, 252 digs (2.33 per set) and 59 blocks.
She paired perfectly with fellow California native Olivia Babcock at the heart of the Pitt attack, helping the Panthers to a 33-2 (19-1 ACC) record this season. It will be impossible to replace her impact.
Babcock and Bre Kelley are the returning All-Americans next season. Stafford will be missed, along with fellow All-American Rachel Fairbanks, Valeria Vazquez Gomez and Cat Flood. But the Panthers are bringing in a star-studded recruiting class and a couple of transfer portal pickups.
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