Lincoln – University of Nebraska setter Rachel Holloway (Franklin, Tenn.) announced Tuesday that she is leaving the Husker volleyball program and will no longer compete in college volleyball.

Calling it “the most difficult decision I have ever made,” Holloway decided that she will transfer to a school closer to her family’s home in Tennessee for the spring semester. She cited a desire to refocus her priorities outside of sports after competing at both the college and international levels throughout her playing career.

“Rachel informed us that she wants to attend a school closer to home and to her family and will not continue with her volleyball career,” Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook said. “We respect her personal decision and appreciate everything she has done for the Husker program. Although we’re disappointed she’s decided to cut her time short here, we wish her nothing but the very best in the future.”

Holloway thanked her teammates, coaches, and fans for their positive support over her three years at Nebraska, saying that the “volleyball experience at Nebraska was the zenith of her career as a player.”

“I know it’s best that I pursue some other priorities in my life, spiritually and emotionally, that I have neglected for the many years I’ve played volleyball,” Holloway said.  “I have the utmost respect and love for all of my teammates and count it as a privilege to have played with them. I will never forget the memories of playing here, and I am thankful for my experiences. I want to thank all of the Nebraska fans who made me feel so special. I want to thank everyone associated with the Nebraska volleyball program for providing me with the highest level of competition. I will never forget the National Championship and only hope it laid a foundation for greater things to come. Starting this spring, I will be attending a school that is closer to my home and family.”

Holloway was the Huskers’ starting setter for two seasons, guiding Nebraska to a pair of Big 12 titles and the school’s third national crown in 2006. A two-time AVCA All-American, she totaled 2,861 assists at NU to rank eighth on the Huskers’ all-time chart.

In 2007, Holloway averaged 13.58 assists per game to rank ninth nationally. She was awarded second-team AVCA All-America honors. A two-time All-Big 12 performer, she guided the Huskers to a .327 team hitting percentage, a total that ranked third nationally. As a redshirt freshman in 2006, she averaged 13.42 assists and 2.49 digs per game and became just the second freshman to guide her team to a national title.

In 2008, the Huskers return three starters, including two-time All-American Jordan Larson, and seven letterwinners from a team that went 30-2 and reached the NCAA Madison (Wis.) Regional title match. With Holloway's departure, Nebraska does not have a setter on its spring roster.

“Although Rachel’s announcement is a surprise, one thing we have seen over the years is how adversity can bring a team together,” Cook said. “We have a group of returnees who are highly motivated after the way we finished last year, as well as a terrific incoming class that will have an opportunity to make significant contributions early on.”

-- Huskers --