Lopez Not Looking for Idol, Enjoying Experience

Becky Murdy
Media Relations and Publications Assistant
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: becky.murdy@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2011) - Jennifer Lopez (Glyndon, Minn.) was not a judge this weekend, but an athlete performing at the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team Open Tryouts hoping to gain experience and showcase her talents.

The 5-10 setter from North Dakota State University (NDSU) made her first appearance at the tryouts, but didn’t lack experience on the court at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“Being my first time trying out, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Lopez said. “This weekend has been a great experience. It was great to meet all the girls and find out what schools they played for. More than anything though, it was just fun.”

Parents, Bob and Jean, didn’t name their daughter after the infamous Latino singer and actress, as she wasn’t world famous yet. But shortly thereafter, attention grew.

“She became famous after I was named,” Lopez said. “I don’t really get attention from the name anymore, but I used to a lot.”

Volleyball has been part of the Lopez family for a long time and the blend between family and athletics has been pure chemistry with mother, who served as her high school volleyball coach. Lopez has an impressive resume starting at the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School as a five-year starter on both the basketball and volleyball teams. Lopez was named the 2007 Gatorade Player of the Year and Miss Volleyball in Minnesota under her mother’s coaching.

“We had a great relationship, mixing mother and daughter, coach and athlete,” Lopez said. “I have been playing since the moment I could walk. It was a great opportunity to be able to play as much as I did.”

For the Bison, Lopez was selected to the first-team All-Summit League as well as the All-Freshman team, starting in all matches leading the team in service aces. As a sophomore, Lopez again led the team in aces, while adding a team-high 828 assists. Lopez saw action in 17 matches her junior season with 559 assists.

The decision to play for North Dakota State came easy to Lopez as she weighed her options. The 20-minute car ride to campus from her hometown of Glyndon, Minn., plus her knowledge of the program through her sister, Kelly (2005-09 outside hitter and libero for NDSU).

“I loved the staff, the campus and the people,” Lopez said. “I also got to play with my sister for two years.”

Lopez, a rising senior for the 2011 season, hit the middle mark for age at the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team Open Tryouts. She attended the tryout as a learning experience more than anything - thankful to walk away with an optimistic attitude on her performances in all three days.

“The younger girls were really talented,” Lopez said. “I was really impressed.”

With the tryouts now ended for the young women, coaches will take time to make difficult decisions about the record-high 204 participants.

“I always want to further my volleyball experience,” Lopez said. “We will have to see how this next year goes and see how much I have improved.”

Tags: college, college volleyball, U.S. Women's National A2 Team, U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team