Sofia Lopes Sets Her Sights on USC and Record-Breaking Performances

Sofia Lopes is not just a standout athlete; she's been hailed as "the best hurdler the Valley's ever seen," according to coach Cedric Pulliam. With a fierce determination to continue her groundbreaking journey, Lopes has already shattered every record in the Central section.

Despite ranking among California's top three hurdlers, Lopes believes her best performances are still ahead of her. "I'm always looking for better," she remarked. "I guess you could say I'm never satisfied." Her exceptional talent is matched by an unwavering mental strength, which she attributes to her family. "My mom and my dad have always been my coach," she explained. "They always tell us like, you're not an average teenager."

The Lopes family has a rich history in athletics, with all four of Sofia's older sisters pursuing college sports and her mother competing in track at various levels. "They always say you have to have a different mindset than others, and I think that's what makes me so locked in," Lopes noted.

Choosing the University of Southern California was an easy decision for Lopes. "Right when I stepped onto the campus, I just knew," she shared. But before she embarks on her collegiate journey, she is focused on making an impact at the upcoming CIF State Championship, where the state's elite athletes will gather at Veteran's Memorial Stadium. "I love having competition," Lopes said. "It pushes me so much more, it builds my fire so much more."

Currently holding the Central section record in the 300-meter hurdles, Lopes aims to improve her time and break into the national top ten. "Fresno - people don't really pay that much attention to it, but a lot of great athletes have come out of Fresno," she stated. "I love when people sometimes, like, they don't see me as a competitor. It makes me want to push, to show them like I belong here."