Lexi Rodriguez a finalist for AAU Sullivan Award

Sterling graduate and former Nebraska volleyball standout Lexi Rodriguez is one of six finalists for the AAU Sullivan Award, which recognizes the nation’s best collegiate and Olympic athletes.

The five other finalists are Trey Augustine of Michigan State/USA Hockey, Duke basketball’s Cooper Flagg, Boise State football’s Ashton Jeanty, Lee Kiefer of USA Fencing and U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin.

From aausports.org: “Since 1930, the AAU Sullivan Award has been annually presented to highlight the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate, Olympic or other similar elite level in the United States. In addition to athletic excellence, the award recognizes the strong qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and sportsmanship the chosen athlete holds on and off the playing field.”

The winner is determined by a public vote and will be recognized during an awards ceremony Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club.

Rodriguez, who plays professionally for LOVB Omaha of the LOVB Pro league, finished her college volleyball career as one of the best in Cornhuskers history. She is the program’s career digs leader, a four-time American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player or Libero of the Year three times.

She received the key to the city in Sterling in December.