On November 7, high school senior volleyball player Keri Leimbach reached a historic milestone for Lincoln Lutheran, achieving the 2000 digs mark for her school. On the same day. Nebraska volleyball star Lexi Rodriguez also climbed to the second spot for digs in NU’s history books. However, the connection between Leimbach and Rodriguez just acquired another dimension.

With 1,720 digs to her name, Lexi Rodriguez is just 172 shy of surpassing Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes as NU’s record holder. However, in a bittersweet twist, the 2024 season is Rodriguez’s last. However, on college volleyball signing day, the Huskers have already signed her successor, and it’s none other than Keri Leimbach.

The singing was a historic event for Lincoln Lutheran, as Leimbach became the school’s first player to join the defending Big 10 champions. “This is our first player that’s a Husker,” said Lutheran’s volleyball coach. While the school has sent seven players to the NCAA Division I in their three decades, Leimbach joining Nebraska volleyball was an unprecedented achievement.

Besides reaching the 2000 dig’s milestone, Lincoln Lutheran’s defensive specialist also led the Warriors to this year’s state championship title. In addition to her individual skill, there’s also a good reason why the Huskers chose to sign the high school senior. “She doesn’t let anyone else take on what she’s feeling or let anyone take on any pressure,” said Leimbach’s Warriors teammate Ava Jurevicius.

“She takes all of the heat for herself and that’s what makes her a good leader,” added Jurevicius. Lexi Rodriguez’s successor couldn’t help but feel special in creating history for her school. “It’s really cool, and this opportunity. It just shows that my hard work pays off,” said the future Nebraska volleyball star. However, Leimbach isn’t the first girl from Lincoln to join NU.

Lincoln Pius X alumni Emma Gabel became the first from her city to join the college volleyball juggernauts. However, Keri Leimbach’s connection with the Nebraska Cornhuskers dates back to when the high schooler had yet to realize her true potential.

Keri Leimbach joining Nebraska Volleyball was a dream come true

The five-time national championship-winning team had a massive role to play in Leimbach developing a love for the sport. That’s because growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, Leimbach grew up watching volleyball and the Huskers. In fact, the state champion even attended Nebraska Huskers’ matches with her father, thanks to family and friends who gave her season tickets.

Hence, the new Nebraska Volleyball recruit was a fan long before she signed the dotted line. Leimbach described singing the papers as a “surreal” experience. “Growing up a Lincoln kid just being able to go play for the university is pretty special, and I’m really blessed,” the athlete added after officially becoming a Husker. However, the No. 4 Warriors players will have big shoes to fill at Nebraska.

Lexi Rodriguez’s recruiter Kayla Banwarth sang praises of the senior at the Volleyball State podcast. “She commands the court. She truly is the quarterback back there. To see her blossom into that role has been really neat,” Banwarth said about the No. 6 Husker. So only time will tell if Keri Leimbach’s promise translates to the vastly more competitive landscape of college volleyball.