Texas rowing, volleyball teams visit White House after national title seasons

AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a long-standing tradition to visit the White House after winning an NCAA national championship, and two Texas Longhorns squads were in Washington D.C. on Monday to participate.

Texas rowing and volleyball made the trip to the nation's capital along with around 50 other title teams from all three divisions of NCAA athletics for the 2023-24 athletic year. Sophomore setter Ella Swindle represented the volleyball team and Lanie Mitsch was the rowing team's rep on stage during the ceremony.

"The coolest part about the experience is being surrounded by so many people chasing their dreams and pursuing excellence," Swindle said. "I loved meeting other athletes and hearing their stories. It was an inspiring and empowering atmosphere and something we will never forget."

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the teams, praising their "grit and determination" to win a national championship.

It's the third championship in four years for the rowing team and Nitsch called this year's title team "a special group."

"It was such an honor to represent the University of Texas and the Rowing team up there today, Nitsch said. "Our team is a really special group, so I was thinking about them the entire time I was up on stage."

The Longhorns volleyball team captured back-to-back national championships this season, helping the school capture the Learfield Directors' Cup as the best overall athletic program in the country.