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A premier player on the most successful teams in program history, Maria Lopez was a standout golfer at California from 2009-13. She helped the Vulcans capture three PSAC Championships and earn a team qualifier to the NCAA National Championships in four-consecutive seasons – the only team appearances in conference history. Lopez was a four-time All-PSAC honoree and closed her career with a scoring average of 79.5 strokes while playing 48 events.
Lopez joined the Vulcans in the fall of 2009 and made an instant impact by being selected the PSAC Freshman of the Year. She led the team with a scoring average of 78.6 strokes over 12 events, highlighted by seven top-five finishes. Lopez helped Cal repeat as league champions with the Vulcans winning the title by 48 strokes. She carded a five-over at the event to finish behind only a teammate on the individual leader board. Lopez then shot a nine-over to place third overall at the 2010 NCAA Regional Championships in Missouri. The Vulcans finished third in the team standings to earn their first-ever team qualifier for the NCAA National Championships. Cal placed eighth at the national event in Arizona with Lopez posting a top-40 overall finish. As a sophomore, she helped Cal complete a three-peat at the PSAC Championships while placing sixth overall at the event. The Vulcans placed second while hosting the 2011 NCAA Regional Championships at Cedarbrook Golf Course with Lopez ranking among the top 15 in the field. Cal closed the year with a consecutive appearance at the NCAA National Championships and finished seventh at the event held in Michigan. Lopez earned All-PSAC First-Team laurels as a junior after posting a scoring average of 79.3 strokes. She tied for second overall at the league championships in the fall before carding a 12-over at the NCAA Regional Championships in the spring to tie for ninth in the field. The Vulcans recorded the best finish in program history at the 2012 NCAA National Championships with Lopez tying for 13th overall following a 27-over in Louisville. Lopez closed her collegiate career in dominating fashion with six top-five finishes and was voted the 2013 PSAC Golfer of the Year behind a career-best scoring average of 78.0 strokes. She earned medalist honors at the PSAC Championships by four strokes with a six-over while helping Cal capture its fourth league title in five years. Lopez posted a top-10 finish at the NCAA Regional Championships for the third time in her career, as the Vulcans qualified for the NCAA National Championships in Daytona Beach.
Lopez earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with dual concentrations in marketing and management in 2013. She is the third women’s golfer in program history selected to the Athletic Hall of Fame.
updated April 5, 2025
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