Happy Birthday Lexi: How She Redefined the Libero Role

Lexi Rodriguez is, without a doubt, a trademark of Nebraska Volleyball. When someone is implored to think of the program in the modern era, she is likely the first name to come to mind. It seems impossibly long ago when Lexi was a wide-eyed eighth grader committing to the Huskers, to now – where she has left the program eight years later as the all-time dig record leader, now playing professional volleyball alongside olympians. It feels wrong that she was never able to win a Championship in her college career – an elusive dream that always fell just out of arm's reach, but she proved that trophies weren’t the only thing that made a successful career. Rodriguez has redefined the libero role, becoming the first ever of her position to win National Freshman of the Year and be a finalist for National Player of the Year. At only 5 '5, Rodriguez is typically a whole foot shorter than the rest of her teammates, but she has brought pride to the “little” position.2 Abbie (@/AbbieSomething on X), a devoted Husker fan, says of Lexi, “As a short girlie who loves player volleyball but never had the opportunity to play at the next level, seeing a fellow shortie not only play but be deserving of a POTY award made my heart so full.” 

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While Lexi has made waves in the current volleyball world, she is no doubt a catalyst for the future of the sport. “I don’t know if I’ll ever have a daughter or if she’ll like or be good at volleyball,” Abbie says, “but given that she’s also likely to be pretty short, Lexi’s achievements have given me hope that the door is still potentially open to her.” Lexi’s influence not only garnered a new generation of exposure and interest in the game, but helped young players (who were not blessed in the height category) believe that they can still flourish and achieve attention and applause in the libero role. She has amassed over 500,000 followers combined on Instagram and Tiktok, documenting her invigorating and surreal reality as a star on the nations most popular volleyball team, but manages to not come off as inauthentic or cocky. Lexi has been praised by many as an “amazing athlete, but even better person,” and any of her friends or teammates can reinforce that notion. Her passion for the game and pure joy is endearing and her smiles are infectious. One thing’s for sure, whether she's digging balls on the court or doing “get ready with me’s” on Tiktok, people want to watch Lexi Rodguez. 

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