Aug. 8, 2007

The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday (Aug. 8) that Ofelia Lopez has been hired as the third head women's golf coach in program history.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be a Division I coach and to get my start in Texas," said Lopez. "UTPA has already established as a strong Independent program, and I believe that this program still has a lot growth in it. I feel that my experiences will aid in the growth of the program and continue to elevate it to bigger and better things."

"We are extremely excited about the addition of Ofelia to our women's golf program. She had a tremendous career at the University of Southern Mississippi and has strong Texas ties so we believe that she is the right person to take over and lead our women's golf program," said Director of Athletics Scott Street.

The newly-named UTPA head women's golf coach comes to the Rio Grande Valley from the University of Southern Mississippi, a member of Conference USA, where she spent the previous two seasons as the Golden Eagles' assistant women's golf coach/graduate assistant coach.

During her time at USM, Lopez was primarily responsible for the academic progress of the Golden Eagles' women's golf team to go along with overseeing the strength and conditioning workouts of the program. She also assisted in recruiting efforts for prospective student-athletes and co-organized the Southern Miss Lady Eagle Invitational as well as the Baja Classic and Baja Invitational in Mexico.

The Golden Eagles recorded four top-five finishes during the 2006-07 season, including a third-place showing at the Cincinnati Fall Classic, fourth-place finish at the UAB Fall Beach Bash and fifth-place showing at The Baja Invitational. In addition to their success on the golf course, five members of the USM women's golf team earned Dean's List or Athletic Director's Honor Roll laurels for their work in the classroom.

Lopez had strong ties with the University of Southern Mississippi as she was a four-year standout for the Golden Eagles during her collegiate career, earning first team Conference USA laurels during the 2001 season. A four-time USM student-athlete of the week award recipient, Lopez was a model in the classroom as she was honored with the USM Athletic Director's Bronze Academic Medal as well as cited with Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll honors.

A member of the All-Thirty Team at the University of Southern Mississippi, Lopez continued to compete after her collegiate career came to an end and captured the 2004 San Antonio City Women's Amateur Championship and was a runner-up to be on the Big Break III: Ladies Only Challenge, which is seen on the Golf Channel.

Following her playing career with the Golden Eagles, Lopez served as the Assistant Golf Professional at the Resort Course at La Cantera in her hometown of San Antonio, TX, before being promoted to Tournament Coordinator five months later.

Lopez oversaw the organization and administration of all tournaments and special events while contacting potential players and groups to the Resort Course at La Cantera during her time as the Tournament Coordinator. During her one-year tenure at the Resort Course at La Cantera, Lopez received the Associate of the Quarter Award and began working with the PGA to become a certified Class "A" Golf Professional.

The newly-named UTPA head women's golf coach is the third head women's golf coach in program history and takes over for Barb Odale, who resigned in June of 2007, after serving nine years at the helm for the Lady Broncs.

Lopez will begin her duties as the leader of the UTPA women's golf program on August 13th, 2007.

UTPA Sports Information