By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
In the heart of Texas, where small-town grit meets big-time ambition, few volleyball players embody that blend more than Salado middle blocker Elsie Law.
The future Arkansas Razorback has transformed from a talented freshman with unlimited potential into the cultural heartbeat of Salado’s volleyball program chasing its first state championship after back-to-back appearances in the state semifinals – also a first.
Law’s journey, however, hasn’t been easy.
To reach this point, she has made sacrifices most of her peers couldn’t imagine. Law had to balance school work with hours of travel for club practice and tournaments with Austin Juniors in Austin – a two-time per week round trip of over 100 miles just for practice, sometimes on school nights.
It’s a relentless schedule Law embraced, driven by goals of playing college volleyball and winning a state championship. That goal now feels closer than ever.
“If you want to go big places, you have to make sacrifices,” Law said. “For me, that meant missing social events and family time, but it was all worth it.”
Now, with a commitment to Arkansas secured and her senior season weeks away, Law is determined to lead the Eagles to a Class 4A state championship, a dream that has motivated her since middle school.
Building a foundation at Salado
Salado was once a program that struggled to find wins. But after back-to-back state semifinals, the Eagles are no longer flying under the radar.
In fact, they now are included in statewide conversations across the Class 4A landscape.
In 2023, the Eagles made their first state tournament appearance in school history, falling to Canyon Randall in four sets. Last year, Salado fell victim to a loaded Wimberley team in the semifinals. Law had a front row seat to both defeats, and it has fueled her this offseason.
Salado has been one of the winningest teams in Class 4A in Law’s three years with an overall record of 111-35 (.760 winning percentage), where the Eagles have also won three district championships.
But ask head coach Clint Brown, and he’ll tell you that Law’s part in that success extends far beyond the stat sheet.
“She’s our calming voice in the locker room,” Brown says. “When moments get tense, Elsie brings everyone together. Her leadership, especially in high-pressure situations, is what separates her.”
That leadership took years to cultivate.
Law joined Salado’s varsity roster as a freshman, where she quickly stood out not only for her athleticism but also her work ethic and 6-foot-2 presence.
While other players rested after school, Law often hit the road to Austin, where she trained with Austin Juniors Volleyball (AJV), one of the region’s premier club programs.
“It was never easy,” Law admits. “There were times I questioned it, but I knew it was necessary to get to where I wanted to be.”
The Arkansas commitment: A new chapter awaits
Law announced her verbal commitment to Arkansas in January, joining a Razorbacks program that has established deep recruiting ties in the Austin area.
For Law, the decision wasn’t about familiarity, though she admits knowing players like Parker Duncan, a fellow Austin-area standout now at Arkansas, made the transition feel smoother.
Instead, Law chose Arkansas for its culture.
“I wanted coaches who cared about me as a person, not just a player,” she says. “At Arkansas, I found that. They’re going to help me grow on and off the court.”
Brown believes the Razorbacks are getting a player who will excel at the next level.
“She’s a program-changer,” he says. “Not just in terms of talent, but mindset and leadership.”
With the commitment made, Law has refocused her attention on her final high school season one that feels destined for a defining moment.
The state championship drive
Twice in the past two years, Salado has fallen just short of reaching the state finals. Law was on the floor both times. Those defeats, while heartbreaking, have only fueled her determination.
“I want that state title more than anything,” Law says. “Especially this year, my senior year. I want to leave that legacy here at Salado.”
The road back to the semifinals – and a potential rematch with Wimberley – won’t be easy.
While the Eagles are heavy favorites in 24-4A, Gateway Prep and Burnet are talented teams that will challenge Salado. Then come the postseason, where most volleyball talking heads anticipate a rematch between Salado and Wimberley in the Class 4A Division II semifinals.
It’s a game Law hopes happens.
“I definitely want revenge,” Law admits.
However, Brown is cautious to look that far ahead. He emphasizes focusing on daily improvement, a message that Law echoes in the locker room.
“Our goal is clear, but our expectations are about showing up every day with the right attitude,” Brown said. “That’s where Elsie shines. She lives that mindset.”
The cultural shift in Salado
Salado’s rise to a state powerhouse isn’t accidental.
Brown, who’s entering his third year as head coach, credits consistency across the program’s coaching staff and a unified community that supports all of Salado athletics, especially the volleyball team.
Law credits Salado’s rise to the hard work and dedication of her teammates.
“We’re not just some small-town team anymore,” she said. “Everyone coming up knows that making varsity here isn’t easy. It’s hard work, but the payoff is worth it.”
Still, Brown points to Law as the cultural cornerstone.
“She’s the standard now,” he says. “The younger players look to her, and she sets the example.”
Looking ahead to the season
As Salado enters the 2025 season, Law remains singularly focused on her mission.
After years of sacrifice, hundreds of miles of travel logged, weekends spent in gyms and countless hours away from friends and family, Law is finally on the cusp of seeing her dream realized.
Arkansas awaits. But first, there’s unfinished business.
