Lexi Rodriguez reached LOVB Omaha’s camp with the tag of superstar. But also, in the same camp, she had to share the space with someone who also signed up to play in her position, Libero. Additionally, the individual also has some spectacular tags. She is an Olympian with two team medals in her cabinet. Four years ago, she won the best libero title in Tokyo. Now, as far as the player’s collegiate career is concerned, she has the glory of winning the national volleyball championship for Lexi’s alma mater, the Nebraska Huskers. Something the Illinois native missed in her 4-year stint! So, is there anything giving Lexi an edge over the Olympian? 

Yes, there are. First, the 5’5” libero went past the Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes’s record of most career digs (1,890) in Nebraska. Lexi left the program, dethroning Justine from that individual record. Doesn’t that make her stand in front of her predecessor in a serious competition of ego? Well, the four-time All-American had to face this question. And she had an answer. 

Lexi Rodriguez explains her reaction to sharing the court with the Olympian 

On 93.7 The Ticket, the hosts shared the same curiosity. They also wanted to know how Lexi Rodriguez was coping with Justine Wong-Orantes in the same program after demolishing the latter’s individual collegiate record four weeks ago. The libero couldn’t hide her smile after hearing the question. She eventually said, “There’s been some jokes around just in the team.” So, she and Justine’s teammates in LOVB Omaha also enjoy those statistics. But what about the Olympian? Does she take everything regarding this lightly? Probably yes. How?

In the 93.7 The Ticket, the AVCA Player of the Year finalist claimed, “I mean, she [Justine Wong-Orantes] has been so supportive of me throughout my whole entire career. She’s always been super supportive. And I mean, just having her support has also meant the world to me.” That support is now continuing in LOVB Omaha. It is the first time she is playing with such a character. Therefore, she is bound to experience the effect.

And per Lexi, it has been a joyful ride for her so far. In the conversation, she said, “I mean, just having her support has also meant the world to me. And then now getting to be in the same gym as her, just like with Jordan [Larson].” In LOVB Omaha, she has both Jordan Larson and Justine Wong-Orantes by her sides. This prized presence is helpful to her. 

“I think especially at my position having someone with all the experience and all the wisdom and knowledge behind just playing the sport in multiple Olympics and at the highest level, I mean, I couldn’t think of anyone else to be in the gym with to kind of learn and grow,” Lexi Rodriguez claimed without pausing. Surprisingly, Lexi has yet to make her pro debut. In LOVB Omaha’s opening match, the final squad had Justine Wong-Orantes, the founding athlete, blocking Lexi’s entry. Still, the latter is spilling all the best things about her predecessor. Is there anything more in their story? 

The Olympians remain the inspiration for the libero 

Lexi Rodriguez had the option to join the Omaha Supernovas, the Pro Volleyball Federation squad. If she had joined, she could have avoided the uncertainty in her entry to the final lineup of LOVB Omaha. Well, for her, it was all about Omaha, the region that filled her collegiate memory. So, she had to make her choice from those two names. She chose the LOVB team. Why?

In a published report in the Omaha World Herald, Lexi’s statement came in. As per the report, she said, “I have aspirations to someday make the national team and play in the Olympics. I thought LOVB would be a great start to my pro career because I’ll be around a lot of players with professional experience.” But what about her opportunity to make it to the team?

She didn’t seem bothered by that. She left the ball on the coaching staff’s court to make the final call on it. In the meantime, she had been seen rubbing shoulders with Justine Wong-Orantes and another libero of LOVB Omaha, Annie Cesar, in a skit hosted by the volleyball team. Pictures like those prove the well-being of the camp. Now, do you have any take on Lexi’s comment about Justine? Please let us know.