After an excellent career as a student-athlete for the Bulldogs, Dominic Lopez returned to the University of Redlands in the summer of 2016 to begin his duties as the graduate assistant for Track & Field and Cross Country. A year later, the opportunity presented itself for Lopez to apply for and receive the programs' full-time assistant position that also serves as the recruiting coordinator for all four teams.  At Redlands Dominic works with Cross Country and Track & Field (Middle Distance - Horizontal Jumps) and has coached a trio of both Mid-Distance and Horizontal Jump Champions.  He has also coached a Mid-Distance runner in the 800m at the National Championships as they earned All-American recognition.    

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Lopez attended the U of R from 2011 through 2015, graduating with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He contributed to the track & field program for four years and the cross country squad for two.  Throughout his career, he collected various individual honors and top finishes for middle distance events.  He was a two-time All-SCIAC competitor in the 800 Meters.  He also dabbled in the 1500 Meters, earning a pair of first-place showings over his career, while making significant contributions to the Bulldogs’ 4x400 Relay that won four races during his senior season.

In cross country, Lopez was voted “Top Newcomer” by his teammates after the conclusion of his first season in 2013.

Academically, Lopez consistently impressed, becoming a four-time Redlands Scholar-Athlete and landing on the Dean’s List on multiple occasions.  He also garnered SCIAC All-Academic Team recognition for both cross country and track & field, and was deemed a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Individual in 2014.

Lopez currently holds a USTFCCCA technical certification and a Level I certification through USA Track & Field (USATF). Prior to returning to Redlands, Lopez worked as a research technician at Loma Linda University.

An interesting fact about Lopez is that he won the Mr. Redlands competition in 2013. In his free time, he enjoys running and watching movies. Lopez is extremely excited to help guide student-athletes in personal development and athletic achievement. He has aspirations of becoming a head track and field coach one day.