SAN ANTONIO – Head UTSA Volleyball coach Carol Price-Torok announced the addition of three newcomers to the squad on Wednesday. Sydney Bryant, Alyssa Manitzas and Valeria Ortiz all joined the Roadrunners ahead of the 2026 campaign. Each member of the trio transfers into the program following a prior stop at a Division I program, while all three return to their home state of Texas.
Sydney Bryant | 6-4 | OH | R-Fr. | Richmond, Texas | George Ranch HS | Vanderbilt
After redshirting as a true freshman with the Commodores, Bryant retains four years of eligibility as she enters UTSA. The Richmond native heads back to the Lone Star State, where she starred for George Ranch High School.
The 6-foot-4 standout was the George Ranch kills leader and team MVP in both 2022 and 2023, earning All-State honors as a junior. As a freshman, she was crowned District 20-6A Rookie of the Year. In each of her four high school seasons, she was an All-District and Academic All-District performer. Bryant clubbed with Houston Juniors and was a three-time invitee for the USA National Team Development Program.
In her four years of varsity action, she amassed over 1,400 kills on a .276 hitting percentage, averaging 3.47 kills per set. Her strongest offensive showing came in 2022, when she racked up 562 kills, averaging 4.57 kills per frame on a .291 clip. That fall, she also added a career-best 18 aces at the service line.
Defensively, Bryant tallied 230 total blocks during her time with George Ranch, including 118 solo rejections. She added 713 career digs for an average of 1.69 per set, peaking with 25 in the fall of 2023 (2.32 per set).
Head Coach Carol Price-Torok, on Bryant: “Sydney brings a combination of size, athleticism, and competitiveness. At 6-foot-4, she has a strong presence at the net. We’re excited about her upside and continued development in our system.”
Alyssa Manitzas | 5-0 | DS | R-Jr. | San Antonio, Texas | Cornerstone Christian HS | Notre Dame
Manitzas returns to the 2-1-0 for her redshirt junior season after appearing for Notre Dame in each of her last three campaigns. With the Irish, she saw action in 135 sets as both a libero and a defensive specialist, racking up 192 digs with 12 service aces and 23 assists. She was an All-ACC Academic Team selection in 2023.
Prior to her time in South Bend, the San Antonio native competed for Cornerstone Christian, where she lettered in all four seasons. Manitzas was an Under Armor All-American, the No. 1-ranked libero in the state of Texas, and one of the top 10 players in the class of 2023. She was the Nike Tournament of Champions Defensive MVP in the Platinum Division in 2023, as well as a team champion. Manitzas also received recognition as the Volleypalooza Outstanding Defender and was named to countless All-Tournament teams.
She is the daughter of Alex and Cyndi Mantizas and has a brother, Christian, and a sister, Nadia. Nadia competed collegiately for McNeese State in both beach and indoor volleyball. At UTSA, Manitzas will study business management, with the goal of working in consulting and marketing after graduating.
Head Coach Carol Price-Torok, on Manitzas: “Alyssa is a San Antonio native who brings experience and consistency to our backcourt. We’re excited to welcome her home and add her competitiveness, communication, and understanding of the game to our program.”
Valeria Ortiz | 5-8 | S | Laredo, Texas | John B. Alexander HS | Arkansas State
A standout performer for Arkansas State the past three seasons, Ortiz joins UTSA after amassing 1,049 assists for the Redwolves. She appeared in 252 matches, logging 303 digs, 41 kills and 23 service aces in addition to her strong assist total. In 2025, Ortiz helped propel A-State to a Sun Belt West Division and Tournament title, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015.
In high school, she earned four All-District 30-6A honors and was a Laredo Morning Times All-City First Team selection. She also spent time with the Laredo Heat, San Antonio Juniors, San Antonio Alamo and San Antonio Magic during her club career.
Ortiz is the daughter of Ramiro and Valentina Ortiz. At UTSA, she will study exercise science with a minor in biology. After graduating, she plans to become an orthopedic medical doctor.
Head Coach Carol Price-Torok, on Ortiz: “Val is an experienced setter who has won Sun Belt Conference championships and understands what it takes to compete at a high level. Her ability to run an offense and elevate the players around her will be a valuable asset to our program.”
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