Meet the Matadors: Blanca Terminel Lopez

By Sofia Puga

Growing up in Sonora, Mexico, Arizona Western freshman Blanca Terminel Lopez was always active and around sports. Ultimately, volleyball is what she fell in love with. 

"When I was little I always wanted to play something," Blanca Terminel Lopez said. "I tried gymnastics, but my dad didn't like it because he said I was too tall. Then I found volleyball, and in a short time of training I started to stand out and I realized it was for me."

Lopez plays outside hitter, a role that requires both offensive and defensive versatility. 

"It's basically the left side of the volleyball court," Lopez said. "My job is to pass the ball and attack."

While Lopez already liked the idea of attending college in the United States, she chose Arizona Western because of how the volleyball program is managed.

"The coaches were really nice," Lopez said. "I saw good potential and I liked the facilities."

Moving from Mexico was not difficult for Lopez, since she had experience being on the road for volleyball. 

"I was always away from home for tournaments," Lopez said. "So I was used to it."

On an off day, Blanca likes to catch up on sleep and wake up late. Her favorite food is sushi, and her favorite artist is Justin Bieber.

As she heads into her sophomore season, Lopez plans to finish her studies here and transfer to a university. If the opportunity presents itself, she intends to play volleyball at the professional level. 

Blanca and the Lady Matadors volleyball team are set to be back on the court in early August.