Nebraska Huskers icon Lexi Rodriguez greeted the fans in her social media post. It’s something she has done many times in the past four years, but this time it was different. “I wanted to say thank you one last time,” said the Huskers’ icon in a somber voice. “The past four years have been better than I could have ever imagined,” said the 22-year-old.

Recalling her time with the Nebraska Huskers, the now ex-college volleyball player clearly sounded emotional, but collected in her post. As the highlight reel of her time with Big Red played in the clip, the iconic Libero explained just how thankful she was to the university’s volleyball program and the fans. Rodriguez’s heartfelt confession moved even the most casual of fans.

“I’m not even a huge Husker fan but dang… this cut deep,” once Huskers fans commented on Lexi Rodriguez’s TikTok video, as she praised the team that allowed her to blossom into a volleyball icon. Although the Illinois native didn’t win a national championship title, she confessed to gaining “way more just by being a part of this program.”

The first Libero to become the AVCA Regional Player of the Year explained how being part of the Huskers gave wings to her dreams. “Nebraska volleyball allowed a little girl’s dream to come true, the dream of playing for something bigger than herself,” said the BIG10 Libero of the Year. After all, the Huskers offered the defensive specialist a place in the team right out of high school.

The 22-year-old has former Huskers assistant coach Kayla Banwarth to thank for the opportunity. While coach John Cook grew to believe in Lexi Rodriguez’s skill with time, it was Banwarth who convinced him to make the offer. Many fans didn’t care that the Huskers’ digs record holder didn’t win a national championship. Instead, they were equally grateful for her contributions.

“Lexi, you are a champion to all of us! You will be missed and we will be following your pro career. Always a husker,” commented one fan, echoing that sentiment. The TikTok user spoke for many Nebraska Huskers fans when stating that they would follow the next chapter in Rodriguez’s volleyball career.

Fans are excited as Lexi Rodriguez prepares to embark on a new phase of her volleyball journey

In her video, the libero explained how grateful she was for everyone at Nebraska, including the fans. Rodriguez described those fans as “A family that stood by her side through everything,” in her final goodbye to college volleyball. However, the fans she made through these four years will continue to support the Libero especially because she’ll continue to represent Nebraska.

“I love you Lexi so much, you truly are an inspiration to me and I can not wait to watch you continue your journey,” commented a loyal fan. Lexi Rodriguez going pro was quite a surprise for the Huskers fans. However, when LOVB Omaha announced that the Huskers’ icon would continue to represent the state in the pro circuit, the fans felt elated.

Another fan echoed a similar sentiment of continuing to follow the Libero but said something even more valuable. “I am still always gonna look up to you cause I wanna be a libero just like you!” commented a young fan. Inspiring others to take up the sport she loves, especially the position she plays, has been one of the biggest achievements of Rodriguez’s career.

That’s because Lexi Rodriguez almost single-handedly raised the stock for Liberos across college volleyball. Coach John Cook himself confessed to seeing Liberos in a new light after watching Lexi’s record-setting career at NU. “I think for years, everybody just thought liberos… You know, somebody that’s short, and small… pass the ball and nobody really pays attention to that,” said Cook.

The 68-year-old confessed to feeling the same to some extent himself. However, the Illinois native changed that. “There’s all these young girls now that want to be liberos, that’s pretty cool,” explained the former AVCA Coach of the Year. However, at the end of the day, no matter where she goes, or who she inspires, Rodriguez will always be a Husker at heart.

“So thank you. And, as always. Go Big Red,” Lexi Rodriguez said in conclusion to her post. That’s why one fan reminded the beloved volleyball player, that Nebraska volleyball will never forget her. “Love you too, Lexi the husker nation will miss you, but you’ll never be forgotten,” commented the fan. Yet, what are your views on Libero and her career with NU? Let us know in the comments.