Nebraska Star Joins Young National Team, Following Lexi Rodriguez’s USA Volleyball Journey

When the words ‘volleyball’ and ‘Nebraska’ are spoken together, Lexi Rodriguez inevitably comes to mind. The former captain of the Huskers has etched her name into the lore of Lincoln’s storied volleyball history. With a legacy that looms large over Nebraska’s athletic landscape, Rodriguez’s accomplishments are both inspirational and benchmark-setting for future players.

Rodriguez’s impressive tally of 1,897 career digs solidifies her status as one of the all-time greats in Husker volleyball. Yet, her skilled play is not just confined to the college arena; she has also made significant contributions to the international scene. With a decorated resume that includes various accolades from U.S. national teams at the U18 and U21 levels, Rodriguez has set a standard in women’s volleyball that many aspire to but few can match. Interestingly, her former teammate Merritt Beason appears to be on a promising trajectory aimed at achieving similar heights.

The “Voice of Husker Nation,” Hail Varsity, shared exciting news recently, announcing that Beason, a former captain herself, has been selected as one of 18 athletes invited to train with the U23 national team. Their social media post read, “Former Nebraska volleyball captain Merritt Beason is one of 18 players selected to train with the U23 national team,” igniting celebrations among Huskers loyalists. This moment not only signals a personal milestone for Beason but also reflects the continuous legacy of excellence in Nebraska volleyball.

The stakes are high, as only 12 players will ultimately make the final roster for the U.S. at the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup slated for July 25 to August 2 in Mexico. Interestingly, Rodriguez also has a history with NORCECA events; after her junior season, she secured a silver medal with the U.S. National Team at the NORCECA Final Six held in the Dominican Republic.

While Beason may not yet have a career as illustrious as Rodriguez’s, her achievements still speak volumes. Recognized as the 2022 U21 Pan Am Cup MVP, Merritt brings her own strengths to the table. She’s joined by 17 other talented athletes for a training camp in Anaheim, California, bolstered by her prior NORCECA silver medal, which adds weight to her candidacy for the national team.

Adding another layer of support, Kayla Banwarth, assistant head coach for the U23 squad and current head coach of the Atlanta Vibe, has been instrumental in nurturing talent. Beason has already made waves in her professional rookie season, amassing 95 kills while averaging 3.17 kills per set. Her performance has shown that she is not just another talented player; she is someone who can impact the game significantly.

Scott Beason, Merritt’s father and a former Nebraska star himself, has always believed in his daughter’s potential. He shared, “Even when she was little, she’s always been a worker. I’m not surprised (about her success) based on her work ethic.” His praises further affirm the hard work and dedication that Merritt has exhibited throughout her career. As she navigates the uncertain waters of national team selection, Lexi Rodriguez continues to chase her own dreams.

Lexi Rodriguez Looks Forward to Netting a Bigger Fish

2024 marks an exciting chapter for Rodriguez as she embarks on her professional journey with LOVB Omaha. Staying in Nebraska, she still made waves in the volleyball scene, although her debut was somewhat delayed. Being part of a team that includes Olympic gold medalist Justin Wong-Orantes meant that Rodriguez faced stiff competition for playing time.

Nevertheless, fans were eager to see Rodriguez unleash her talents on the court, and while she didn’t spend the entire season on the sidelines, she managed to make her presence felt in several matches. Now, she looks towards an even larger opportunity: being named to the thirty-player selection pool for the Volleyball Nations League Team. Only 14 athletes will ultimately be part of the final squad that competes in the preliminary rounds scheduled for June; given her distinguished career, it’s easy to believe Rodriguez will earn her spot.

With these two remarkable athletes on the brink of national representation, it’s an exciting time for Huskers fans. The question now is: which of these two stars are you most excited to see shine on the international stage?