Harper Murray Pens Emotional Tribute to Lexi Rodriguez on Her Special Day

Harper Murray has the habit of writing on her finger tape before stepping on the volleyball court. It’s a way to remind herself of what matters most in the heat of competition. And among the things and people who have found a place on the outside hitter’s fingers is ex-Huskers libero, Lexi Rodriguez. “I put the number eight for Lexi,” she shared last year. That’s the depth of their bond.

Naturally, Murray wouldn’t miss wishing her beloved senior on her birthday. The 20-year-old took to Instagram, sharing a collage of memories from their time together as Huskers. “Wishing @lexi.rodriguez the biggest happy birthday!!! Lex, I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to play with you,” wrote Murray.

“You have helped me grow in ways I didn’t think were possible,” the Nebraska Huskers star added about Lexi Rodriguez. And this is something the college volleyball icon acknowledges every chance she gets. Harper Murray thanked Rodriguez for helping her, even when explaining why she puts her jersey number on her finger tape. “She’s helped me grow so much as a volleyball player and a person,” said Murray.

So as Murray wished Lexi on her birthday through an Instagram story, she wrote: “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, the state of Nebraska, and the sport of volleyball. You will always have a special place in my heart. Love you so much. Happy 22nd!!!” Murray added in her tribute—a collage of pictures that captured some of the most special moments she shared with the libero. There was even one in which Rodriguez was seen scribbling on Murray’s fingertips. All in all, the Husker’s OH took a heartwarming stroll down memory lane with her friend, and why wouldn’t she? After all, the LOVB Omaha player was among those who never lost faith in Murray, even during the Michigan native’s darkest times.

When Harper Murray’s life spiraled out of control after Nebraska’s NCAA finals loss in 2023, Lexi Rodriguez was among the voices of reason alongside Coach John Cook, who stood by the 20-year-old. It’s something the Husker outside hitter will never forget. However, Harper Murray wasn’t the only Husker who wished Rodriguez on her birthday.

Everyone loves Lexi Rodriguez

Murray was far from the only Husker who wished the college volleyball icon-turned-pro volleyball star. Fellow pro-volleyball rookie and former Huskers captain Merritt Beason was among those who wished the record-setting libero. Beason, who has become one of the standout rookie hitters in the PVF with the Atlanta Vibe, wrote, “u deserve the world. I love you,” in her story.

Meanwhile, juniors Andi Jackson and Taylor Landfair also expressed their love for Lexi Rodriguez on her 22nd birthday. Yet, if you thought the list was finished, you’d be wrong. Kennedi Orr, Ally Batenhorst, and even fans shared pictures with the Huskers icon. Goes to show that not just Murray, but the entire Nebraska Huskers team is fond of the Sterling, Illinois, native.

The LOVB Omaha star reported several of those posts on her story, grateful for all the love everyone gave her. Interestingly, Rodriguez and Harper Murray’s birthdays are just a little over two weeks apart. So while the 20-year-old wished the libero on March 11, she had done the same last month, on February 24.

Lexi Rodriguez has also expressed her gratitude for sharing the court with a talented outside hitter, and great friend, like Murray. “Grateful to play alongside you for two years and so proud of you on and off the court,” she wrote in admiration of everything Murray has overcome. Now Murray has once again proved that the admiration is mutual.