“I’ll say it for my entire life, that this program was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Lexi Rodriguez as she broke down in tears. The senior Nebraska Libero couldn’t stop welling up. Despite breaking Nebraska’s digs record, Rodriguez’s dream of earning an NCAA title didn’t become a reality. And yet, that post-game press conference wasn’t Rodriguez’s final goodbye.

The 22-year-old’s last act at Nebraska came down to what she did in the locker room. Two days after the 2024 NCAA Championship finals concluded, and Penn State won their eighth national title, Rodriguez walked inside the Nebraska Huskers locker room to do one last thing. “It’s not real until your locker’s empty,” The BIG10 Libero of the Year captioned her final act on TikTok.

Lexi Rodriguez filmed an emotional video of her taking down four years of memories from her personal concern in the Nebraska locker room. “Goodbye to my locker room corner,” read the caption of the post, as she showed clips of her removing notes, cut-outs, and pictures that had come to populate the side of her locker throughout these four years. She then proceeded to clear out the locker shelves of their contents.

The senior held up some of the memorable souvenirs she’d gathered throughout her time in Nebraska. Finally, after everything was done, the Huskers star closed the doors to her now empty locker for one last time. And while the captain’s locker is ready for a successor, Rodriguez will probably take a little more time to move on.

Nebraska has already signed Lexi Rodriguez’s replacement. Lincoln Lutheran’s Keri Leimbach will follow in Rodriguez’s footsteps starting in 2025. However, following up Lexi Rodriguez’s historic career at Nebraska is going to be a monumental task, even for a prodigy like Leimbach. Meanwhile, Rodriguez is heading for a new beginning as well.

Lexi Rodriguez’s career is far from over

With the Illinois native’s record-breaking college volleyball career behind her, many fans thought it was the end of the rod for Rodriguez. The senior didn’t participate in the 2024 professional Volleyball Draft like her fellow teammates Merritt Beason and Lindsay Krause. However, the first-ever Libero to win the AVCA Regional Player of the Year award had a surprise in store for fans.

Lex Rodriguez joined a different professional volleyball league. “@huskervb nation, have no fear. Your queen isn’t going anywhere. Please join us in welcoming @lexi.rodriguez__ to the LOVB Omaha roster!” LOVB Omaha announced on December 22. What’s more? The most prolific Libero in NU’s history will join former Huskers at LOBV Omaha.

“Lexi Rodriguez will continue her volleyball career with LOVB. She will join Justine Wong-Orantes, who she just passed for No. 1 on Nebraska’s all-time dig chart,” reported Huskers Illustrated writer Lincoln Arneal. “Other teammates include former Huskers Madi Kubik, Lauren Stivrins and Jordan Larson, Rodriguez’s old assistant coach,” he added.

So, despite a major chapter in her volleyball career coming to an end, Lexi Rodriguez is all set to be a new one in 2025. Will the Libero add to her legacy of excellence as a pro? Tell us your views in the comments.