Junior Ebba Hemberg has left Minnesota’s women’s basketball team for personal reasons, the guard confirmed Tuesday.

Hemberg is in the process of leaving school and returning to her native Sweden. She informed the team of her decision on Monday.

Last year, the 5-foot-6 guard earned a spot in the rotation and was the primary backup to Big Ten player of the year Lindsay Whalen.

Hemberg played in all 30 games and averaged 1.5 points and two assists in 12.2 minutes per contest during last year’s 22-8 season.

“She will be missed,” Whalen said. “She was a good player. Hopefully we can find someone to fill in for her.”

The departure leaves a hole at the backup point guard position. Junior Trish McGhee played sparingly at the position last season.

Incoming freshman Shannon Schonrock is a 5-foot-6 guard who could benefit the most from Hemberg’s absence. In addition, freshman Shannon Bolden can play the perimeter, but with her 5-foot-11 frame is more suited for the low post.

New Gopher coach Pam Borton is on a recruiting trip and was unavailable for comment.