
via Imago
Credit – EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERA

via Imago
Credit – EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERA
Lexi Rodriguez couldn’t have scripted a better debut for Team USA at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). Stepping onto the court in Belgrade against Serbia on June 18, she delivered a defensive run that helped the U.S. claw back from the brink for a dramatic 3-2 comeback win. Her 17 digs most in the match weren’t just stats; they were momentum-shifting that saw the Americans dig deep for the victory.
Just weeks later, a post by Avid Volley on X highlighted what volleyball fans already felt: Rodriguez is in elite company. They shared a pic which showed “USA Women’s National Team – BEST RECEIVERS in the VNL Group Stage Since 2021,” placing her among top-tier names, including Justine Wong-Orantes in 2nd and 3rd position. Rodriguez’s 2.41 passing rating in 2025 now sits alongside Wong-Orantes’ 2.43 and 2.34 marks from 2024 and 2023, respectively. The caption? “Lexi Rodríguez joins some elite company after her VNL group stage performance 👀.” A quiet debut? Far from it.
In third place is Ali Frantti, who posted a passing rating of 2.40 in 2022, just behind Kelsey Robinson, whose 2.47 rating in 2021 stands as the highest among all listed players. However, Lexi Rodríguez deserved it. Her performance went beyond the box score.
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USA VNL passing leaders since 2021 💪
Lexi Rodriguez joins some elite company after her VNL group stage performance 👀 pic.twitter.com/NwKleKfwMG
— Avid (@AvidVolley) July 15, 2025
With a 56% positive reception rate and 54% dig efficiency, Rodriguez brought calm to a U.S. team that had struggled to find rhythm in the opening week of the VNL (finishing 1–3). The former Nebraska Cornhusker didn’t just hold her ground; she elevated everyone around her, making tough pickups look effortless. But Lexi’s journey with Nebraska was worth remembering.
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Nebraska’s defensive queen, Lexi Rodriguez, is now, dominating the pro scene
If you’ve been following volleyball even a little, you’ve probably heard the name Lexi Rodriguez. She’s a standout libero from Sterling, Illinois, and currently plays for LOVB Omaha, one of the founding teams in League One Volleyball’s pro league. Lexi signed with the team in late 2024 and quickly made her presence felt, helping Omaha reach the 2025 LOVB Finals, despite the team’s rocky 5–11 regular-season record. Her clutch defense and leadership were crucial in their dramatic semifinal comeback win over Houston, making headlines in the volleyball world.
Before going pro, Lexi carved out a legendary college career at the University of Nebraska from 2021 to 2024. From the moment she stepped on the court as a freshman, she was elite, earning AVCA All-America honors every single season. She broke the school record with 1,897 career digs, won Big Ten Defensive Player or Libero of the Year three times, and even became the first libero in AVCA history to be named a Region Player of the Year. Her impact was so massive that she earned a finalist spot for both the AVCA National Player of the Year and the Honda Sport Award.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Lexi Rodriguez the new backbone of Team USA, or just a flash in the pan?
Have an interesting take?
Lexi’s time with Nebraska wasn’t just about awards—it was about heart. She became a fan favorite for her hustle, leadership, and cool presence under pressure. She made diving digs look effortless, carried herself with poise, and played a massive role in making Nebraska one of the top programs in the country during her time. Fittingly, she capped her college career by making national history: in 2024, she became the first volleyball libero ever to win the AAU’s prestigious James E. Sullivan Award, given to the best amateur athlete in the U.S. Not bad for someone who’s just getting started.
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Is Lexi Rodriguez the new backbone of Team USA, or just a flash in the pan?