Unlike her teammates, Merritt Beason or Lindsay Krause, Lexi Rodriguez didn’t join a Professional Volleyball Federation team. So when the most prolific Libero broke former Husker and Olympian Justine Wong-Orantes’s 1890 digs school record in the 2024 NCAA championship semifinals, many fans thought it would be the last great achievement of the senior’s volleyball career.

However, the Libero who scored 1897 digs, beating the 8-year-old record, just dropped a pleasant surprise for the fans. “Lexi Rodriguez will continue her volleyball career with LOVB. She will join Justine Wong-Orantes, who she just passed for No. 1 on Nebraska’s all-time dig chart,” Huskers Illustrated writer Lincoln Arneal wrote on X. However, these two aren’t the only Huskers on the team.

In fact, League One Volleyball (LOVB) Omaha is already filled with talent formerly associated with the Huskers. “Other teammates include former Huskers Madi Kubik, Lauren Stivrins and Jordan Larson, Rodriguez’s old assistant coach,” added Arneal. However, the 21-year-old won’t be playing with or against her current Hukers teammates despite turning pro.

The Professional Volleyball Federation and the LOVB are two separate leagues, and the LOVB Omaha is in no way associated with the Omaha Supernovas. LOVB is also the newer league, with its inaugural season kicking off in January 2025. Lexi Rodriguez and her fellow former Huskers will take to the court in white and neon green jerseys on Friday, January 10, 2025, against LOVB Houston.

The 2024 AVCA Regional Player of the Year’s teammate and former record holder, Justine Wong-Orantes spoke about her new team and league. “It is an opportunity to keep growing the sport, especially in Nebraska. I’m just really excited, and super thankful to have this opportunity,” said the 29-year-old Olympian. Madi Kubik showed similar enthusiasm.

“I got the love from Husker Nation and from playing in Nebraska, so it’s really cool to be back,” Kubik said, as per Nebraska News Service. Yet, what does this year’s BGI10 Libero of the Year feel about continuing her volleyball career as a pro?

Lexi Rodrguez is excited about the next chapter of her career

Shortly after the official announcement, the Nebraska Huskers star took to social media to share the news. The Illinois native shared the post on her Instagram store, expressing her excitement for turning a new leaf in her career. “On to the next chapter!! So excited for this opportunity to play in the States and no other place I would want to start than Nebraska,” wrote Rodriguez.

Lexi Rodriguez broke down in tears after her dream of winning the NCAA Championship title ended in the Final Four matchup. Rodrigues could barely speak after losing the thrilling five-set semifinal against Penn State. The Libero said that playing for the Huskers was the “best thing” that happened to her.

While any thought it was the last goodbye for the record-setting Libero, she now has the chance to win pro volleyball titles and possibly follow in her idol’s footsteps, making it to an Olympic team. After all, despite her college volleyball career coming to an end, Rodriguez is only 21. The defensive special has plenty of time to improve even further.

Finally, the Huskers themselves reacted to the recruitment announcement. “Take care of our girl, @lovboma. @Alexis14Rod is staying in the Cornhusker state! She will debut her pro career with LOVB Omaha right here in NE.” wrote the official Nebraska Huskers page. Yet, how did you react to this news? Do you believe Lexi Rodriguez is destined for even greater achievements? Let us know in the comments.