Maria Lopez was named Barry University women’s tennis program’s first full-time assistant coach in October 2012.
Lopez joined the women’s tennis staff at Barry in 2010-11 after a stellar career with the Buccaneers from 2000-04. She is responsible for on-court coaching, player development, recruiting and administrative duties.
In 2015, Lopez helped coach Barry to the NCAA Division II national runner-up, following a 24-2 season. The Bucs won their sixth straight Sunshine State Conference Tournament title after repeating as regular season champs. Barry also won the NCAA South Region 2 title. Lopez coached four All-Americans for the second straight year.
In 2014, Lopez helped coach the Bucs to the NCAA Championship, following a 29-1 season. Barry beat Armstrong Atlantic, 5-4, in the title match. Lopez was instrumental in coaching the final pressure-cooked match remaining on the court when the Buccaneers clinched the title. She coached four All-Americans on the title-winning team.
In 2013, Lopez was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Assistant Coach of the Year for the second straight year. She helped coach the Bucs to a 27-1 record and appearance in the NCAA quarterfinals, where Barry fell to eventual champ Armstrong Atlantic, 5-3. Lopez helped improve the team's doubles play, and freshmen Elisabeth Abanda and Emma Onila received All-American honors as a duo.
In 2012, Lopez was named the ITA National Assistant Coach of the Year. Barry went 26-1, advancing to the NCAA semifinals before bowing out, 5-2, to eventual champion Armstrong Atlantic. She helped coach three All-Americans, Cristina Valladares, Linda Fritschken and Mona Mansour, and an Academic All-American, Julie Stas, as the Bucs rolled through the regular season unbeaten.
In 2011, Lopez assisted the Buccaneers in their run to the NCAA Championship. The Bucs went 26-1, beating Lynn, 5-3, to win the national title. Barbi Pocza was named the Division II National Player of the Year.
Lopez helped the Bucs to a 91-24 record as a player at Barry and three No. 3 final season rankings in 2001, 2002 and 2003. She was a two-time All-American, winning the award in 2001 and 2002. In addition, she was a three-time All-Sunshine State Conference selection.
Lopez finished her career ranked ninth all-time in school history with 57 wins in singles. She finished her career with a .655 winning percentage. She ranked third all-time in doubles with 73 wins.
A native of Valencia, Venezuela, Lopez earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic commerce and a master’s degree in sport managament from Barry.
