2008 Woodie Awards
Ashley Lopez saves her team from defeat
Lopez had made up to 33 saves in a single game, to total 143 saves after only nine games, which is "slightly" higher than last year's season total saves.
Filippo Goodman
Issue date: 10/8/04 Section: Sports
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Like a manic stock car racer, Ashley shifts and steers the conversation away from herself. The energy bounces off the icy-colored metallic furniture at the In Shape Gym where she works - manning the front desk - as names of family, friends, teammates, and coaches begin to tumble excitedly out of her lips. Her enthusiasm while talking about others rejects the notion of contrived modesty, as her smile serves as a welcome decoration to the grunts and grimaces of gym rats, as they the attempt to turn facility into a collective carb furnace.
With a little prying, out sputter some personal accomplishments. As a goalie, Lopez's 143 saves has anchored the Delta women's soccer team. Along with players Diedra Rodriquez, Christine Quitasol, Joanna Flood, and Nicole Raley, Lopez has helped to guide the Mustangs to a 4-3-1 record. Says Sophomore Christine Quitasol, " Ashley has really played awesome this year. She has improved a lot as a goalie since last year." Athletic prowess is nothing new to Lopez; in years past she was a key cog in softball teams that traveled to states like Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas for national competitions.
The on-the-field exploits paint an incomplete picture of the sophomore Lopez. Truthfully, Lopez would probably feel more comfortable at a fundraiser, rather than a shopping mall. Since 1993, Lopez has sharpened her volunteer spirit by participating in fundraisers for STARS, and the San Joaquin Sheriff's Dept., as well as events like Family Day at the park.
In addition, Lopez has involved herself in the "Friends of Special Olympics" program. Says Lopez about the program, "It was a rewarding experience to interact with the children and watch them compete despite their disabilities." An honor student, Lopez's time at Delta has been divided between sports, studying, and clubs such as Key, Mecha, and Latinos for Education.
Lopez snuggly fits into the All-American description, despite its less-than-inclusive definition. Her personality and brief journey have been shaped by her close-knit family. Since childhood, Lopez's parents have promoted life-enriching experiences like community work and athletics.
" My parents have always supported me. They encouraged me to get involved with my community, and to also play in sports. They never forced me to do either," she said.
Currently, mom Judy, sister Andrea, 14-month old nephew Alexander, and boyfriend Manuel are fixtures at Delta soccer home stands. Her father, John, helps with the preparation of games and plans to make his first appearance in the Delta stands soon. They even form a tight road crew on women's soccer away games, providing vocal support in enemy territory.
The administrative justice major hopes to transfer to Chaminade University of Honolulu for her bachelors degree, and then to Utah State for graduate school. That path has been blazed by her sister Andrea, seven years her senior, whom Lopez called " an inspiration," as she hopes to follow in her footsteps. Lopez has an eye toward becoming either a parole or corrections officer when she wraps up her education.
As Lopez gazes into the future, she is struck with a sense of anticipation and melancholy. " On our (soccer) team we all get along, and we have a great time with each other on and off the field. On the bus we have so much fun on our road trips...We have so many laughs and great memories. That's what brought me back to soccer this year. I'm going to miss these guys (teammates)."
In many ways, some of the players wish they could take on the hands of time. Thus, the road trips would never end.