Lexi Rodriguez—yep, that name’s been buzzing all over the volleyball world, and for good reason! Whether it’s the madness of NCAA season or the electric pro action with LOVB Omaha, she’s been out here making waves. During her NCAA days, this libero didn’t just match Olympian Wong-Orantes’ legendary legacy—she one-upped it. She surpassed the previous school record of 1,890 digs by performing 1,897 digs, which became her new benchmark. And just when fans thought they’d seen it all, she finally made her long-awaited pro debut on February 9 after weeks of anticipation. But wait—there’s more. As if breaking records wasn’t enough, Lexi is now in the running for some major recognition.
According to AAU Sports, Lexi Rodriguez is one of thirty-nine standout athletes named as semi-finalists for the prestigious 95th AAU Sullivan Award. And let’s be real, her resume? Stacked. We’re talking 2024 Honda Sport Award Finalist and 2024 AVCA National Player of the Year Finalist. Yeah, she’s not just on the list—she’s a major contender.
And guess who else is in this powerhouse lineup? Oh, just some of the biggest names in sports. Mondo Duplantis—aka the high-flying king of track and field—who flexed at the Paris Olympics by breaking his own world record (because, you know, why not?). And, of course, the GOAT of the pool, Katie Ledecky, who snagged gold and bronze in 2024, bringing her Olympic medal count to a mind-blowing 14—with 9 of them being gold. Legends all around, and Lexi Rodriguez? She stands alongside the great athletes, proving she possesses all the qualities needed for greatness.
Curious about this big-time honor? Since its inception in 1930, the AAU James E. Sullivan Award recognizes athletes who excel in U.S. college sports and at Olympic competitions and at highest levels of professional competition. This award goes beyond extraordinary talent because it recognizes leadership abilities along with sportsmanship and character, which together create a complete measure of greatness.
Past winners? Oh, just legends like Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Peyton Manning, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Volleyball has its very own bright stars recognized among the many athletes. The second volleyball player in history-Kathryn Plummer-earned this award after Wisconsin’s Lauren Carlini won the 87th edition of the award. Last year, Caitlin Clark made history as the first-ever two-time winner, but now, a new name is about to be etched into the history books.
But wait—there’s a whole squad of elite athletes in this lineup! We’ve got Lexi Rodriguez holding it down for volleyball, track and field beast Grant Holloway, gymnastics’ very own Clark Kent Stephen Nedoroscik, the unstoppable Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and football sensation Travis Hunter. And Lexi? She absolutely belongs here. But if you ask her, she’s not one to hype up her own past achievements—even though those moments led to her accomplishment.
Lexi Rodriguez doesn’t take all the credit!
This story is developing…
The post Lexi Rodriguez Joins Katie Ledecky, Mondo Duplantis and Other Sports Icons for Major Honor appeared first on EssentiallySports.
