Whitney Lauenstein announced Tuesday night on social media that she was retiring from the Nebraska volleyball team.
The second has spent the last two seasons under the head coach John Cook on the contrary, appearing in 59 career games. Lauenstein was limited in her first season as she came off the bench to provide 62 kills, 24 digs and 22 blocks in 67 sets.
She was the Huskers’ most improved player in 2022. In her second campaign, she was named to the AVCA All-Region team and was on the All-Big Ten varsity team.
“Hi Husker fans! I’m here to clear up the confusion and rumors that you may have heard about my status on the volleyball team!” Lauenstein said in an Instagram post. ‘That being said, I thought long and hard about my decision and took a vacation with my family to clear my mind, but decided to step away from the volleyball team to focus about myself and being with my family and continuing to heal from the passing of my father.
“I treasure every moment with my teammates, they have become some of my best friends and will continue to be! I will miss playing at the (Bob Devaney Sports Center) with my teammates. It will be something I will remember forever, but I think it’s important to put yourself first before committing to anything big!Thank you all for the unconditional love and support from the Nebraska fanbase like no other.
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Starting out as the primary opposite, Lauenstein recorded 2.78 kills per set (297 kills), was second on the team with 114 blocks, and led Nebraska with 28 ace serves. Her defense was still a work in progress throughout the season, but Lauenstein showed she possessed All-American talent. Never was that truer than his 25-game winning performance in a five-set victory over Creighton in September.
Lauenstein was a local Husker, growing up in Waverly. Transitioning from center blocker to pin hitter, Lauenstein exploded in his final two seasons helping the Vikings reach the Class B title game in three straight years. She was ranked No. 16 overall in what would be a record freshman class for Cook and Nebraska.
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Lauenstein’s departure comes after the commitment of the transfer to Florida Merritt Beson December 23. With Lauenstein out of the picture, this opens the final purse for Beason. The former Gator is expected to secure a starring role for the Huskers in 2023 as Beason competes for one of two spots as a six-rotation outside hitter.
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