In her four years with the Nebraska Huskers, Lexi Rodriguez achieved some monumental milestones. From Libero of the Year to the first ever Libero to be named AVCA Regional Player of the Year, Rodriguez has etched her name in college volleyball and the Huskers’ history books. However, did you know that her family members have reached an equally impressive feat in these years?

Despite not being Nebraska natives, the volleyball star’s mother, Crystal, and father, Chris Rodriguez, have attended nearly every game their daughter has ever played for NU. Yes, you read that right. For four years, the Libero’s parents kept a near-intact record of showing up for their daughter. However, despite such dedication, it was her mother who shouldered the blame for NU’s loss against SMU. So what happened?

How did Lexi Rodriguez’s mother take flak for the team’s loss?

The Nebraska Huskers have had a near-perfect season this year. Before their shocking loss against Penn State in the Big10 title match on November 29, their only loss was to SMU at Texas. It was the fourth game of the season, and this setback against SMU was a shocking upset. What else was off on that day? Rodriguez’s grandparents made the 1800-mile round trip instead of her parents.

“I stayed home and watched that one… then got blamed the whole season,” Crystal Rodriguez told the Omaha World-Herald. Although it was nothing more than mere superstition, Mrs. Rodriguez was constantly reminded of it throughout the season. However, Lexi Rodriguez’s mother didn’t explain who kept blaming her, possibly because ultimately it wasn’t so serious.

Besides that one game, Chris and Crystal Rodriguez have been there for the rest of the 32 matches so far. Although attending volleyball games regularly may not sound like a lot of work, it’s far tougher than you’d think. “I don’t mind the drives or the stays… It’s literally the unpacking and packing. My life never leaves the suitcase. It can be exhausting.” explained Libero’s mother.

The Rodriguez family has traveled so much in their four years, that they even sold their previous car. According to the Omaha World-Herald, the vehicle accumulated over 200,000 miles before purchasing a new car. Thankfully, Lexi has never ignored the sacrifices her parents continue to make.

The Libero has always appreciated her parents’ contribution

The defensive specialist’s parents had supported their daughter’s dreams since she was a child. They were there to support her when Rodriguez emerged as a standout at Sterling High School in Illinois. Despite Nebraska being far from Sterling, Illinois, Chris and Crystal Rodriguez put their daughter’s career ahead of everything else. The young volleyball star never forgot their efforts.

“Dear mom & dad. A year ago, you two sent me off to college to start my journey that I had always dreamed of. You both did everything in your power to get me there, and it was finally time to let me go out and show everyone what I could do,” Lexi Rodriguez wrote on Instagram in 2022. “At the time I didn’t fully understand what you guys had done, but now I do,” she added.

In her heartfelt note, the then Sophomore at NU thanked her parents for everything thing they did for her career. “You guys put so much time, money, and effort into my career knowing that there was a chance it wouldn’t work out,” wrote the player on the cusp of making history at NU. “I know it won’t be the last time I say this, but thank you,” added the Nebraska Husker.

Over two years later, Lexi Rodriguez has found more than one reason to continue appreciating her parents. So it may be safe to guess that no matter who blamed Mrs. Rodriguez for NU’s loss against SMU, Lexi Rodriguez wasn’t one of them. Do you buy this bandwagon of superstition? Tell us in the comment section below!