Whitney Lauenstein announced on social media on Tuesday evening that she is leaving the Nebraska volleyball team.
The sophomore has spent the past two seasons under head coach John Cook on the contrary, appeared in 59 career games. Lauenstein was limited in her debut season coming off the bench and racking up 62 kills, 24 digs and 22 blocks in 67 sets.
She was the Huskers’ most improved player in 2022. In her sophomore campaign, she was named to the AVCA All-Region Team and was a member of the Academic All-Big Ten Team.
“Hello husker fans! I’m here to clear up any confusion and rumors you may have heard about my status on the volleyball team!” Lauenstein said in an Instagram post. “Having said that, I thought long and hard about my decision and took the vacation with my family to clear my mind, but I’ve decided to leave the volleyball team to focus on myself and my family.” to be and continue to heal. due to my father’s death.
“I cherish every moment with my teammates, they have become and will continue to be some of my best friends! I will miss playing at[the Bob Devaney Sports Center]with my teammates. It will be something I will forever remember, but I think it’s important to put yourself first before committing to something great! Thank you everyone for the unconditional love and support. The Nebraska fan base is unlike any other.”
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Lauenstein started as the main opponent and 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 all season, but Lauenstein showed she possessed All-American talent. That was never more true than her 25-kill performance in a five-set win over Creighton in September.
Lauenstein was a homegrown Husker, who grew up in Waverly. Lauenstein switched from a middle blocker to a pin hitter and exploded in her last few seasons as she helped the Vikings reach the Class B title game in three consecutive years. She was ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect in what would become a record-breaking freshman class for Cook and Nebraska.
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Lauenstein’s departure comes after the commitment of a transfer to Florida Merritt Beson on December 23. With Lauenstein out of the picture, it opens the last fair for Beason. The former Gator is expected to secure a top role for the Huskers in 2023 as Beason will compete for one of two spots as an outside hitter with six rotations.
