Hometown Hero: Sterling volleyball star Lexi Rodriguez receives key to the city

STERLING — Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian presented Lexi Rodriguez, a Sterling High School volleyball standout who just finished up her college career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, with the key to the city at an autograph-signing event Monday evening.

A crowd of approximately 100 people, including young children with volleyballs, came to witness the event and get an autograph and picture with Rodriguez, who has been dominating the volleyball courts during her time at the libero position for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. She recently signed a contract to play professionally for League One Volleyball in Omaha.

Rodriguez has played in every set since her debut match as a freshman in 2021, consistently leading the team in digs throughout all four of her seasons in Lincoln. With a total of 1,789 career digs, she ranks second in Nebraska volleyball history, trailing only Justine Wong-Orantes, who holds the record with 1,890 digs.

Rodriguez is also a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American, earning two first-team selections and one second-team honor, along with being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice.

“Tonight we gather to celebrate an extraordinary individual whose talents and dedication have brought immense pride to our city,” Merdian said. “Lexi, through your journey, you’ve never forgotten where you came from. You’ve always been a beacon of light for Sterling, showing the world that greatness can come from anywhere if fueled by passion and hard work. You’ve inspired young athletes to dream big, to put in effort and to believe that they too can make a difference in the world.”

Kolbi Lawson is an outside hitter for Net Force Volleyball. She traveled from Princeton to meet Rodriguez and get her autograph.

“I feel like she’s a big inspiration in volleyball,” Lawson said. “She makes women’s sports more important, and she continues to show the world that anything’s possible, even if you come from a small town.”

Rodriguez had no idea she would be receiving the key to the city at the signing event and was humbled at the honor.

“I’m just so honored to call this place home, and I’m so grateful that you all have been so welcoming and amazing,” Rodriguez said. “I’m grateful for all of you; for my family, all my friends, and I will always be blessed to be able to come back to this special town. Thank you all.”