Women’s sports are becoming more popular and Nebraska Volleyball Day in 2023 was a clear example of that. And right at the heart of it? Icons like Jordan Larson and Lexi Rodriguez, who continue to pave the way. Lexi’s got a knack for making history—just look at her NCAA run. She didn’t just break records; she edged out U.S. Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes’ insane 1,890 career digs and wrapped up her collegiate journey with a jaw-dropping 1,897.

But every legend has its beginning isn’t it? And to mark the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Lexi had some time to look back at those days.

Lexi Rodriguez took to her Instagram stories on February 5, taking fans on a heartfelt stroll down memory lane. First up? A throwback to tiny Lexi, just a little girl picking up a volleyball, figuring it all out. She captioned it, “At some point in my life we are all little girls trying something new for the first time.”

Next, she shared a childhood snapshot alongside her idols, including none other than Elena Scott, the former Louisville Cardinal. And even her sister, Kaylee Martin, who played college volleyball at Illinois State and Clemson-because even future stars have heroes of their own.

Then came a powerful transition. Flash-forward to Lexi as a collegiate standout, living her dream. From pro-league moments to Huskers snaps, even fans in the stands proudly holding signs that read ‘Go Lexi,’ she displayed how much she had progressed. And the grand finale? A stunning photo from Nebraska Volleyball Day when 92,003 people gathered at Memorial Stadium. With her Huskers squad standing before the roaring crowd, she left a message that hit deep:

“Today’s a reminder to celebrate women! Be grateful for the selfless women who came before you who gave everything to their sport to help move it forward. Women’s athletics would not be in the places they are if it weren’t for the hundreds and thousands of fearless women who broke boundaries and continued to push for more. Happy #ngwsd to all the amazing women out there!! Let’s keep showing the world why they should invest and support female athletics.” An absolute mic-drop moment from Lexi, proving that women’s sports are here to stay—and only getting bigger!

Every February, National Girls and Women in Sports Day rolls around, shining a well-deserved spotlight on female athletes. Since 1987, this annual celebration has honored the trailblazers, the game-changers, and the fearless women pushing for equality in sports. Not only is NGWSD an annual event or a day, but it has become a movement that continuously reminds the world why women’s sports should get all the love and attention! But guess what? After basketball and soccer, volleyball could be the next big thing!

Lexi Rodriguez and co helps boost the sport!

Back in 2023, when Lexi Rodriguez and her squad made history on Nebraska Volleyball Day, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. That famous moment in which more than 92 thousand people filled the stadium was a shock to women’s sports. Fast forward and the pace is set and cannot be ignored anymore. At present, women’s sports are witnessing more attendance, attention and viewership like never before with full house and increasing television viewership. Basketball and soccer are already taking the center-stage and now? Volleyball is gearing up to be the next big thing.

It seems that only now investors have opened their eyes and brands are investing in women’s sports and the outcome is evident. There are new leagues such as LOVB and MLV and advertising money is flowing in and the fans are active. The Caitlin Clark effect has already occurred in the WNBA and the same formula is in the making for volleyball. The high school participation is on the rise, professional leagues are developing and NCAA volleyball has a record high in ratings. Everything is hinting at the fact that volleyball is set to blow up in a major way.

But here is the catch—despite the evidence, a very small percentage of the large companies have backed this up. That’s changing, though. Fans are standing behind them, media outlets are increasing the coverage, brands are realizing that they’ve missed out on a gold mine, and women’s sports are no longer struggling for a place at the table. They’re building their own.