Nebraska's Holloway leaves team

[Noah121]

It was announced today that sophomore setter Rachel Holloway transferred from Nebraska to Alabama. However, she is reported as having quit playing competitive volleyball altogether.

[Dale8R]

File that in the Oh, My WORD! category. Unimaginable.


For those who care, there's lots more on the net, but here are a few that cover the territory well enough.

In light of other discussions we are having regarding a certain basketball player, here is what Coach John Cook had to say:“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.”

And this from Rachel: “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.”

http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2008/01/08/huskerextra/volleyball/doc4783f8cc8b8cc158911883.txt

http://www.journalstar.com/blog/huskers.php?title=confusion_surrounds_holloway_s_d eparture&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

http://nebraska.scout.com/2/718167.html

[Driftwood]

It was announced today that sophomore setter Rachel Holloway transferred from Nebraska to Alabama. However, she is reported as having quit playing competitive volleyball altogether.

That is really quite shocking. It is interesting to note that her sister Sarah walked away from the Texas volleyball program. She too transferred to another school and gave up competetive volleyball.

Nebraska will be scrambling now to come up with a setter for next season.

[Dale8R]

As noted in the first article, they are probably going to cancel a Spring trip to Hawaii because they have no setter on the squad.

Former Utah starter Sydney Anderson is expected to join NU in time for the 2008 season, but she must first complete her associate’s degree to be eligible.

A walk-on setter, Bridgette Root of Grand Island, is also committed to join Nebraska’s team this fall.

I think the increase in defections across the board in all sports can be attributed to two main things. First in my mind are increased demands by school and club teams which pretty much lead to year round play, which in turn lead to premature burnout. The second one (though it does not seem to be a factor in this case) is increased parental involvement if things do not go exactly as they think they should.