Hurdle with Emily Abbate Trusting the Process: Lexi Rodriguez on Quiet Leadership, The Reality of NIL & Finding Your Voice
#389! Lexi Rodriguez knows a thing or two about the importance of trusting your gut. After famously committing to the University of Nebraska as an eighth-grader, she went on to become an integral part of their legendary volleyball program. Now a professional player for LOVB Nebraska, she’s navigating a new era of the sport while staying true to the qualities that make her a standout leader.
In today’s episode, Lexi opens up about making life-altering decisions at just 14 years old and the validation she felt from her support system during that whirlwind process. We discuss the "superpower" of quiet leadership and how she learned to lead through authentic connection rather than just being the most vocal person in the room. She also gets real about the mental transition from college to the pros, including the initial moments of doubt and the learning curve of playing against world-class veterans.
Lexi also shares her experience navigating the NIL era—managing what often feels like a second job—and why she prioritizes authenticity over constant content production. Plus, we dive into her empowerment app, SheSports, and her wellness non-negotiables, from a slow morning routine to the power of a long exhale to reset her nervous system mid-match.
IN THIS EPISODE
- The Big Decision: What it was like committing to a major university at 14 and the intuition that guided her.
- Quiet Leadership: How to be an effective leader through connection and authenticity rather than volume.
- The Pro Transition: Navigating the jump from college to professional volleyball and overcoming moments of self-doubt.
- NIL Realities: Balancing a professional athletic career with the demands of personal branding and social media.
- SheSports: The inspiration behind her app and the importance of fostering connections between generations of female athletes.
- Wellness & Performance: Her morning routine, journaling practice, and mid-match breathing techniques for mental clarity.
- Life Lessons: The best advice she’s received and how she defines her "why" today.
QUOTABLE MOMENTS
"At the end of the day, belief is just so strong. And when you believe in yourself, I feel like you can accomplish more than you ever thought you could.”
“I’m not the most vocal person, but I feel like I have a really big strength of connecting with people. It took me a while to realize that and use that as my leadership superpower."
"You’re going to have to get comfortable with something that isn’t really real to you... but staying true to yourself as much as you can is going to have a big impact."
"I’ve earned the right to be here, and I’ve earned the right to be confident. When you put it in perspective of all the work you’ve put in—how many reps you’ve actually done—it puts your mind at ease."
"I want to produce something that’s authentic and that really showcases my personality, me, and my story. It’s hard to just produce content every day when it doesn’t feel natural."
SOCIAL
@lexi.rodriguez___
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports
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