Lexi Rodriguez and her family—what a story of love and support that family has to offer. The thought of being separated from them? It’s more horrifying than anything else for anyone, be it a volleyball champion or a commoner. And yet, that was the reality staring Lexi down when she made the leap to the pro leagues. Late last year, Nebraska’s All-American libero discovered how to maintain her connection with the soil. Lexi announced she’d kick off her pro career right where her heart belongs—in-state, with LOVB Omaha for their inaugural 2025 season.

The team teased the big news on social media, saying, “Your queen isn’t going anywhere. Please join us in welcoming @Alexis14Rod to the LOVB Omaha roster! Lexi is the all-time digs leader for @HuskerVB, 4x All-American, 2x Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and 2024 Big Ten Libero of the Year. We’re SO excited, Lexi!” And honestly, who wouldn’t be? Now, as Lexi begins this next chapter in her life, she’s explaining how LOVB Omaha is not just a team, it is her salvation for her dream of going to the Olympics. Staying close to home means she gets the best of both worlds: fighting for gold on court whilst still staying close to her family which helps her to remain full of energy.

In a recent conversation with 93.7 The Ticket, Lexi Rodriguez got real about her journey and how she’s chasing Olympic dreams. She shared, “I think as soon as I got to college I always wanted to play in the Olympics one day and I knew if I wanted to do that I have to go overseas to an international team to get some good experience after college.” From day one of college, Lexi was mentally preparing herself to go abroad, knowing it would mean leaving her family behind and adjusting to a whole new world. As her college years went by, she started to think more seriously about the reality of that.

But when the opportunity to stay home and play for LOVB Omaha came up, Lexi knew she had to jump on it. “As soon as this opportunity was kinda sensed in you can play volleyball in America, I was like, well, if I had the chance I am taking it,” she said. The thought of staying close to her family and playing in America, rather than being away for 10 months a year, was too appealing. She wrapped it up perfectly: “I don’t want to leave for 10 months out of the year and be away from my family and just have that culture change especially as a rookie. Being in America is so important.” Staying in the US wasn’t just a game-changer—it was the chance to grow, with her roots firmly planted.

Although Lexi Rodriguez was not in the pro court for the opening match of LOVB Omaha against LOVB Houston on January 11, where the Omaha side emerged victorious 3-0, she could be in line to make her pro bow in the next match. Scheduled for January 18 against LOVB Madison at the Wisconsin Field House, this may be the night for Lexi. But outside the court, it’s her family through which she has been standing because they really support her.

Lexi Rodriguez’s family through thick and thin!

Lexi Rodriguez has been a force to be reckoned with playing for the Nebraska Huskers from the time she started with them. As the libero, she amazed everyone with her relentless energy on the court, and honestly, she became a key player in their title chase. Still, one cannot amend that she is surrounded by the great appreciation of her family, which makes everything possible. Her parents, Crystal and Chris, have been the biggest fans, who would travel countless hours every week just to watch her play at the Bob Devaney arena.

Balancing work—Chris as a UPS driver and Crystal as a volleyball club co-director—hasn’t stopped them from logging over 12,000 miles this season, sometimes with their three Goldendoodles tagging along for the ride. They’ve sacrificed so much: holidays are out of the question, home renovations are on hold, and Chris has worked overtime to be there for Lexi at home during the holidays. Crystal’s dedication? Unreal. She’s packed up her life into a suitcase and cheered Lexi on through every win, loss, injury, and victory.

“We always make sure she sees us,” Crystal shared during senior night. “It’ll definitely be bittersweet to leave that place for the last time.” And Chris? He summed it up perfectly: “It’s just love and support to its core. That’s really what it all comes down to.” So what do you think of Lexi Rodriguez and her parents’ support? Let us know in the comments!