FORMER?national youth football captain Gabriella Lopez is back home on holiday after completing four successful seasons on the NCAA women’s circuit playing both soccer and tennis.
Lopez attended Division One schools New Mexico State University and Temple University during her stint in the United States.
Despite missing a significant part of last season due to a fractured wrist, the defensive midfielder and public relations major recently graduated with a 3.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) to make her one of the top female college athletes at Temple University for 2013.
Lopez’s leadership and communications skills played a key role in her recruitment by Division Two School, Cedar Crest College as their assistant coach for their women’s soccer programme for the Fall season.
“It is a great opportunity to not only further my education but also to gain experience in the coaching field. I had three good years playing soccer before I got injured last year,” Lopez told MIDWEEK?SPORT.
“This will allow me to help with?Barbados’ women’s soccer when I finish the master’s programme. Coaching takes up a lot of time as there is also the administrative aspect so I’m not sure if I will still be able to continue playing after completing my studies,” the former St Michael and Combermere student said.
She is expected to return later this summer to complete her two-year post-graduate studies in international business in Pennsylvania and is already looking forward to the dual role.
“I’m only home for two weeks before leaving again to prepare for pre-season but while I am there, I will explore the option of doing some coaching courses for tennis to further my knowledge and also gain official certification in that sport,” Lopez said.
Lopez, the daughter of tennis coach Sydney Lopez, is a former national, Pine Hill Dairy, Christopher Howitt and Peter Patterson age group champion. (ROG/EZS)
