Texas A&M volleyball's NCAA Tournament MVP could be out for more time than originally expected after suffering a back injury during warm-ups at the AVCA First Serve on Friday. According to head coach Jamie Morrison, Kyndal Stowers' injury won't end her season, but the length of her absence is unknown. Stowers tried to return to the court against the No. 11 SMU Mustangs on Sunday afternoon, before walking off the court gingerly. She was absent from the lineup and did not make an appearance in the 3-0 loss to SMU. While nothing is definitive yet, the Aggies must be prepared to move forward without her veteran presence for now.
"She tried to give it a go this morning. It's not anything year-long. " Texas A&M HC Jamie Morrison on the status of Kyndal Stowers and how a potential silver lining could come from the situation: pic.twitter.com/GgNTMwjdqS — Kay Naegeli (@KayNaegeli) August 23, 2026
The Baylor transfer played her first season as an Aggie in 2025, appearing in 32 matches and 110 total sets in her sophomore campaign. She finished the year with 335 kills, ranking second on the team, and was named the NCAA Tournament's MVP, finishing with 92 kills to help the Maroon and White secure its first national title. Texas A&M lost much production from last year's national championship squad, which meant Stowers would be carrying the torch as the veteran captain for the Aggies. She was tabbed a preseason All-SEC selection and was named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List. Her production on the floor was missed greatly in the team's season opener, as they suffered a 3-1 loss to No. 7 Louisville and were swept by the Mustangs to end their trip in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, over the weekend. Marquette transfer Natalie Ring and Boise State transfer Eliza Sharp had outstanding performances, however. If Stowers is out for an extended period, Ring and Sharp will be called upon to step up in that leadership role for the Aggies as they look to defend their national championship. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M volleyball HC provides injury update on star outside hitter