Former Husker Lexi Rodriguez named AAU Sullivan Award semifinalist
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Former Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez on Thursday was named a semifinalist for the 95th AAU James E. Sullivan Award.
In total, 39 athletes, each at the top of their respective sport, have been chosen as semifinalists for the award.
The award is presented to the most exceptional athlete at the collegiate, Olympic or other similarly elite level in the United States.
Along with honoring athletic excellence, the award also recognizes the athlete’s character, leadership and sportsmanship.
Last year, Caitlin Clark became the first two-time winner of the award. Other notable winners include Michael Phelps, Peyton Manning and Simone Biles.
Rodriguez finished her career as a Husker in December as a four-time AVCA All-American, four-time All-Big Ten selection and three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
She is also Nebraska’s all-time career leader in digs with 1,897.
A one-week voting period for fans to determine the finalists will open to the public on Feb. 18 and will close on Feb. 25.
The winner of the award will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 15 at the New York Athletic Club.
Other Big Ten athletes selected as semifinalists include:
- Aaron Brooks, Penn State, wrestling
- Ace Bailey, Rutgers, men’s basketball
- Cole Hocker, Oregon, track and field
- Dylan Harper, Rutgers, men’s basketball
- Gable Steveson Minnesota, wrestling
- JuJu Watkins, USC, women’s basketball
- Maddie Zimmer, Northwestern, field hockey
- Phia Gladieux, Penn State, field hockey
- Phobe Bacon, Wisconsin, swimming
A full list of semifinalist can be found here.
