For the Nebraska volleyball team, the recent match against Penn State was already a celebration of their Big Ten Championship title. But for former co-captain Lexi Rodriguez, the night meant something more personal.
The program legend returned to John Cook Arena not just to watch the Huskers dominate, but to reunite with the teammates who helped define her collegiate career.
How Did Lexi Rodriguez Celebrate Her Reunion With Harper Murray?
Rodriguez spent her final two seasons at Nebraska playing alongside junior outside hitter Harper Murray, and that connection clearly hasn’t faded. The two met up on the sidelines before the match, with Rodriguez sporting a black hoodie featuring Murray’s No. 27 merchandise. They posed for photos, showing that their bond remains strong even after Rodriguez moved on to her professional career.
After the meetup, Rodriguez took to social media to share the moment. She posted a video on her Instagram stories highlighting her visit. The former Husker libero added a simple but touching message in a follow-up post: “#27 i’m ur biggest fan.”
Murray made sure her former captain saw a show. She recorded 11 kills to help lead the Huskers to a commanding 3-0 sweep over Penn State. The victory kept Nebraska perfect on the year with a 29-0 record. Now, the team has a chance to finish the regular season undefeated when they face Ohio State on Saturday.
While Rodriguez continues her professional career with LOVB Omaha, she is also focusing on the next generation. She recently joined the SheSports app, an initiative designed to empower young girls and help them overcome fears. The platform allows girls to ask questions and get real-life advice from athletes. Rodriguez is working alongside other collegiate players on the project, including Nebraska’s Maisie Boesiger and Sarah Galligan.
Rodriguez explained her motivation in a recent conversation.
“A lot of my confidence came from watching my older sister and learning from her,” Rodriguez said. “She was my role model, and now I want to give back. I love that SheSports is a place where athletes can be vulnerable about real-life topics. If just one girl feels a little more seen or supported because of SheSports, that’s what it’s all about.”
Rodriguez left an incredible legacy during her time at Nebraska. She finished her collegiate run with 1,897 digs and established herself as one of the best defensive players in program history. Her list of accolades includes the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award, as well as being named a finalist for the 2024 Honda Award and AVCA National Player of the Year.