Hawaii middle blocker Jade Vorster will not return next season to play for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, Hawaii coach Dave Shoji announced Thursday.

Vorster, who redshirted in 2011, is graduating in May with a degree in chemistry.

"Playing for the Rainbow Wahine, Coach Shoji and the state of Hawai’i has been an unforgettable experience," Vorster said in a press release. "I will be graduating from UH this spring and plan to pursue a graduate degree in public health at Liberty University next fall. My younger sister will be attending Liberty as well and I look forward to spending time with her and my grandparents who live in the area. I am proud to say I will be an alumna of the University of Hawaii."

She will play as a graduate student. Vorster started all 30 matches last season, finishing with a team-high 104 blocks

"We wish Jade the best of luck," Shoji said. "She has been a major contributor these past two years, but we understand her academic situation. It’s best for her to pursue something she’s really passionate about, plus she’ll get a chance to play with her sister and be closer to family."