LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska volleyball player Whitney Lauenstein announced via social media that she will be taking a step back from the Huskers following the loss of her father.

In a message posted on Instagram, Lauenstein thanked both the volleyball program and Husker fans during their support during her time at Nebraska.

The Waverly native played two seasons with the Huskers under head coach John Cook. Lauenstein appeared in 123 matches and averaged more than two kills per set.

In a statement, Cook said that the Husker program fully supported Lauenstein's decision.

"She will always be a Husker," Cook said.