“On to the next chapter!! So excited for this opportunity to play in the States, and no other place I would want to start than Nebraska,” Lexi Rodriguez wrote on social media. The post came just right after she bid adieu to her phenomenal collegiate career. But can you guess the occasion of her posting? It was celebrating Lexi’s entry into the League One Volleyball squad, LOVB Omaha. Yes, the former Husker will not have to leave Nebraska to continue her sweet affair with volleyball. Rather, in Omaha, she will soon join the team in her practice session. Furthermore, in the same fold, she will have a few known faces alongside her who once reigned in Nebraska Huskers. For Lexi, an opportunity like this comes with a win-win situation. But who are those to share the court with her? 

The information says that LOVB Omaha will have 15 players in its lineup to take up the arena in the inaugural season. This lineup includes Olympians, national champions, and legends. On January 24, 2025, the squad will take over the home court to kick off LOVB Omaha’s journey. But you will not have to wait that long to know the players. In fact, here are the details about the players. 

Jordan Larson 

Widely regarded as the best female volleyball player, Jordan Larson stands as the monument in Nebraska. No one can think of engaging in volleyball, keeping her away from the book. That stands in her shadow. But the ‘Governor’ (in Nebraska, she has that fame) has multiple roles. In January, she will take the volleyball court donning LOVB Omaha’s jersey. The four-time Olympic medalist has a crucial role in the camp. She is the founding athlete of LOVB Omaha. So, Jordan also has to look after the practice sessions. Pairing with coach Susie Fritz, she has been perfectly doing that job. But she has another job to manage. 

Since August, Jordan Larson has been playing the role of an assistant coach for the Nebraska Huskers volleyball team. That’s how she shared a link with Lexie Rodriguez. In the entire season, she had been alongside Lexi and other Huskers, helping them to up their performance. Now, the season is over. But she will share the arena with the same libero. What is her feeling regarding such multiple roles? Does she feel tired? No, Larson responded. Furthermore, thanking coach Susie, she claimed, “Susie’s been awesome with understanding when I can be there and when I can’t. The team’s been awesome, too, and I’m excited to be all-in come January.” The fans must be feeling excited to see her again on the court after the Paris Olympics. 

Justine Wong-Orantes 

Another Huskers great, Olympic medalist, and Founding Athlete of LOVB Omaha! Just a week ago, Lexi Rodriguez went past Justine Wong-Orantes’s record of claiming the most number of digs for a college program. Now, Lexi will have the chance to share the play with the legend. She will have an opportunity to learn from someone who once claimed the Best Libero award in the Olympics. Yes, in the Tokyo Olympics, Justine helped the US Women’s National volleyball team to bag the gold. Her individual performance earned recognition with the Best Libero title. But was that all?

No, in the Huskers’ jersey, the California native helped the fold claim the NCAA Volleyball championship title back in 2015. Individually, she also earned two All-American honors. Apart from indoor volleyball, the libero has a serious mark on beach volleyball. Justine represented the United States at the 2011 FIVB Beach Youth World Championships, where she participated alongside Sara Hughes, a 2024 Olympian. The two-time Olympian will turn up the heat once again.

Lexi Rodriguez 

The 5’5” libero from Sterling! In the Huskers’ camp, Lexi Rodriguez used to belong to the ‘Littles’ group. Because of her physical presence, she received such a tag. But her contribution never went meek. Lexi was a four-time All-American (being the first libero to achieve that feat), 2024 AVCA National Player of the Year Finalist (the first libero to reach the final), 2021 AVCA National Freshman of the Year, 2024 Big Ten Libero of the Year, two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Academic All-American, and four-time All-Big Ten First Team member. Also, she led the Huskers to two NCAA Championship Finals (2021 and 2023). In her final match as a Husker, she surpassed LOVB Omaha colleague Justine Wong-Orantes to become Nebraska Volleyball’s all-time dig leader. Unfortunately, her brave acts failed to push the Nebraska Huskers beyond the NCAA Volleyball Championship semi-final in the postseason.

However, Lexi has played for Sports Performance and Fusion clubs, as well as the U18 and U21 US National Teams. She has also shown up in the Women’s NORCECA Final Six Volleyball Tournament, representing the USA. Now it is time for her to rule over professional volleyball. 

Lauren Stivrins 

Three-time All-American from Nebraska Huskers and current Husker Andi Jackson’s idol! In her collegiate career, Lauren played a record number of 24 NCAA matches. Furthermore, she ended her five-year tenure with the Huskers having a 0.378 hitting percentage. The number still stands in the Big Red’s record book. In LOVB Omaha, Stivrins will bring so much experience with her. In the past, she has played in professional leagues such as Athletes Unlimited. So, count her in the leadership group of LOVB Omaha. 

Madi Kubik-Banks 

Another former Husker in LOVB Omaha’s house! In her collegiate career, she has been selected as the National Freshman of the Year, to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, and as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. The outside hitter also has experience playing in professional leagues in Italy and Puerto Rico. 

Candelaria Herrera 

The former Olympian has played her collegiate volleyball from two programs, Florida A&M and Iowa State. And in both camps, she earned her conference honors. Furthermore, the Argentine middle blocker claimed two Pan-American titles. 

Jaali Winters 

A lot of records from the Ankeny native! Jaali is an outside hitter and a four-time All-American at Creighton University, where she is still the program’s most decorated athlete. Also, she is the only player in 20 years to be voted Big East Championship MVP twice. She broke 96 records during her time at Creighton, including those for career victories, attacks, and kills.

Emily Thater

Emily Thater enrolled at the University of Missouri after earning the 36th position on PrepVolleyball.com’s Senior Ace list. While competing with the Tigers in the SEC, she became known as one of the program’s most reliable and effective middle blockers. By her last year, Emily secured her place in Mizzou’s legacy, finishing in the top five for block assists, blocks per set, and solo blocks. Additionally, she was only the fourth Tiger to achieve over 400 career total blocks. After her college achievements, Emily played professionally for seven seasons in Germany and France. In the 2023-24 season, she rose to become one of the leading middle blockers in the LAF, played a key role in a CEV semifinal run, and helped her team win a French League championship.

Apart from these names, there will be Annie Cesar (another libero), Vicky Savard (outside hitter from Montreal), Kimberly Dewniok (opposite hitter), Amber Stivrins (outside hitter), Audriana Fitzmoris (opposite hitter), Gabby Blossom (setter), and Laura Djikema (setter). On January 10, the LOVB Omaha will start its season at LOVB Houston. Are you ready to join the fanfare?