A Nebraska volleyball legend was in the house to witness the No. 1 Huskers sweep Grand Canyon on Saturday.
Lexi Rodriguez was in attendance for the Husker Invitational at the Devaney Center, where she watched her alma mater take down the Lopes 25-12, 25-23, 25-18. Sitting in the stands was a new experience for the four-year starter at libero.
“It’s definitely really weird, because the last time I was here, I was the one on the court,” Rodriguez told Hail Varsity. “But I think it’s just so cool to see all the returners, and even all the new additions to the team, and just get to see them kind of out there. They look like they’re having a lot of fun, so I’m just really happy for them.”
Rodriguez played for Nebraska from 2021 to 2024 before joining the LOVB Omaha professional team in December of 2024. While at Nebraska, Rodriguez set the program record for most digs with 1,897, breaking Justine Wong-Orantes’ previous record of 1,890, set in 2016.
Named a four-time AVCA All-American and All-Big Ten First Team selection as well as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year 2021, 2023 and 2024, Rodriguez became the first Nebraska volleyball player to win the AAU James E. Sullivan award after her senior campaign. Named after its president, the award is given to the best collegiate or Olympic athlete each year.
Before the match, Rodriguez took time talking to, taking pictures with and signing autographs for fans.
“I mean it’s everything,” Rodriguez said of the fans. “It’s why Nebraska’s so special, and why I enjoyed my four years here. So to come back and still feel all the love, it means everything.”
According to Rodriguez, she spent time with Team USA this summer and will be returning to Nebraska to begin preparing for the upcoming season of LOVB volleyball.
Rodriguez said she likes what she’s seen from this year’s Husker team so far.
“They’re insane; the depth they have is incredible,” Rodriguez said. “I think their play tonight, and just how they’re able to start anyone, play anyone, it’s incredible. Props to Dani (Busboom Kelly) for just instilling that confidence in everyone, and they’re just amazing. I’m excited to keep watching them.”
Junior Laney Choboy and sophomore Olivia Mauch are this year’s starting liberos, with Mauch donning the jersey against the Lopes. Senior Maisie Boesiger saw the most extensive playing time for her career on Saturday, as Busboom Kelly sat a few of the starters.
“I’ve known it for the last few years,” Rodriguez said of the liberos’ talent. “They’re all studs, even getting to watch Maisie get her first start was honestly so amazing. I think they’re all doing good, they complement each other so well. I think just their ability to adapt to whatever role they have is pretty incredible, especially at that position.”
For now, Rodriguez will continue to prepare for her second season as a pro with the rebranded LOVB Nebraska club, with the season set to begin in January of 2026.
“I’m actually really excited,” Rodriguez said. “Last year was all just kind of happening so fast, and I’m really excited to go in, be there for preseason and just try and get better.”
