For volleyball fans throughout the globe, December 22nd took on a new meaning this year. The day witnessed a four-decade-old custom crushed to the ground. No, the sport doesn’t have only male coaches’ names in the winners’ chart anymore. After December 22, there is a certain Katie Schumacher-Cawley to share the ownership. She is the first female coach in history to win the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship title. And she did it despite her own pain limits that would have taken anyone to their knees. What a motivational tale! Now, it seems that Lexi Rodriguez has taken a few lessons from the Penn State coach’s life book. How? 

Lexi’s former volleyball program, the Nebraska Huskers, faced two heartbreaks from Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s Nittany Lions this season. The libero had been on the court both times. Moreover, the defeat in the NCAA Volleyball championship shortened her collegiate tenure by one game. She could have ended her career on a high note, winning the final. But everything went into deep water because of Penn State. Now, she is praising Katie. Any special reason? 

Lexi Rodriguez gives flowers to Penn State coach for a special reason 

On December 23, Lexi Rodriguez shared a clip on her TikTok handle. The four-time All-American libero is in her hometown, Sterling. After December 19, she now has plenty of time for relaxation in her home. But an off-time from the sport has failed to keep her away from practicing her connection with the sport. In her TikTok clip, Lexi took a moment to praise Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s achievement. She said, “So amazing to see where the sport has come. Yeah. Women had the coach win it for the first time.” The next minute, she revealed something deep. In the clip, Rodriguez claimed, “Her story [Katie Schumacher-Cawley] really does put things into perspective to me. Even more grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I was a part of.” Just like the coach, Lexi also has some groundbreaking gems. 

It is not about the ‘first woman.’ Instead, Lexi’s achievement came as the ‘first libero.’ In the postseason, the 5’5″ earned the AVCA Regional Player of the Year title as the first libero. She claimed her fourth All-American honor—the first libero and third Husker ever to achieve that. She also reached the AVCA National Player of the Year final in the postseason. A rare entry for a libero! She is now the libero with the most number of digs for a program. But she doesn’t want to be credited for all those achievements. Rather, she said, “Honestly, I just wanna express how grateful I am for everyone who has supported me through all the ups and downs of my college journey. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.” Don’t these words bring back memories of something? 

Yes, in her last press conference for the Huskers, Lexi Rodriguez said something similar. It was all about showcasing her emotions for Nebraska and all those who motivated her. But fret not; the iconic libero will come back to volleyball abode soon. 

Life gives chances to the champions to turn back 

The defeat to the Penn State volleyball program and the ending of her collegiate career made Lexi Rodriguez emotional. In the post-game press meet, she couldn’t hold her tears back. Sitting beside coach John Cook and teammate Merritt Beason, she expressed her emotional journey. She paid her gratitude to everyone who helped her attain her place in a sport like volleyball. Meanwhile, she concluded her statement by promising something. 

The promise is to remain thankful to the Nebraska volleyball program throughout Lexi’s life. “I’m just so grateful for everyone, and I’ll say it for my entire life, that this program was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she, in fact, said. Now, it seems that the Illinois native will start her new year in Nebraska. The reason? Lexi Rodriguez has signed up to turn pro in LOVB Omaha. In January, she might show up on the court again, representing Nebraska. But wait. Isn’t that what Katie Schumacher-Cawley is already doing? Serving her volleyball abode at Penn State? That makes things come full circle for both of them. Isn’t it?