Nebraska's Harper Murray shares sweet message as Lexi Rodriguez goes pro with Omaha in League One Volleyball

Modified Dec 22, 2024 19:15 GMT

Nebraska Cornhuskers' Harper Murray shared a sweet message for Lexi Rodriguez as her former teammate signed with Omaha. The former Nebraska libero is set for her professional debut in League One Volleyball in the 2025 season.

Rogriguez joined Nebraska during the 2020-21 season, and after four seasons with the program, she bid her farewell following a tough loss against Penn State in the semifinals of the 2024 NCAA volleyball championships. She ended her career as Nebraska's all-time digs leader before signing with Omaha.

Murray, who has been teammates with Rodriguez during the last two seasons, shared a sweet message for the 21-year-old and congratulated her ahead of her professional debut in League One Volleyball. She also expressed happiness over Rodriguez continuing to remain in Nebraska.

"@lexi.rodriguez hehe yay ur staying closeee," she wrote on Instagram.

Murray joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the 2023 season after an impressive high school career that saw her win Gatorade National Player of the Year and Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year for 2022.

She shone in her first season with the program, winning the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, and ending the season with the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since 2013. The 19-year-old struggled slightly during the 2024 season, citing mental health issues, and penned an emotional note for her teammates following their semifinals exit against the Nittany Lions.

"This group of girls helped me find a smile that I thought was gone forever" - Harper Murray

2024 Division I Women's Volleyball Semifinals - Harper Murray in action (Source: Getty)

Harper Murray had been struggling with mental health issues during the 2024 season, a journey she termed 'exhausting yet rewarding'. Following the end of the season, the 19-year-old credited her Nebraska volleyball teammates for helping her find her smile back. Calling it the greatest gift of all time, she said:

"I have never been more proud. This group of girls helped me find a smile that I thought was gone forever and I am so damn proud. Being surrounded by people who refuse to give up on you and stay by your side is the biggest gift of all time."

The two-time All-American also shared an optimistic outlook about Nebraska's season and vowed to come back harder next year.

"I love this team with all of my heart and am forever grateful for every memory we have together. Volleyball isnt about wins, losses, kills, stats... its about finding the positive and being proud of the growth we have made as people and to enjoy what we did together. Gbr forever see you next year," Harper Murray added.

Murray also played beach volleyball for Nebraska during the 2024 season, posting an 18-9 overall record which included 6-0 with outgoing senior Merritt Beason.