In June 2021, Howard University named Lucas Lopez as their Director of Strength and Conditioning. Lopez oversees the long-term training protocols for HU’s student-athletes while diligently cultivating an environment that supports physical and mental development.
Lopez received a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology - Learning and Development from the University of North Texas, a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology - Exercise Science from Texas A&M University Kingsville; Lopez holds a USA Weightlifting – Level 1 certification, is Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified through the CSCCa, and is an Approved Mentor for the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa).
Before coming to the Mecca, Lopez spent six years at the University of North Texas. In those six years, North Texas had their first NFL draft pick in over fifteen years, sent nine players to the NFL, appeared in one conference championship, and competed in four bowl games. Lopez continued to train former North Texas players during their NFL off-season and administered the Catapult GPS system year-round with the team. Lopez concluded his tenure as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for North Texas' football team during the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. He worked primarily with the Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs.
From 2017 to 2019, Lopez was a full-time assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University North Texas, overseeing softball and women's soccer while assisting with football. North Texas softball won one Conference USA championship in that time, and Women's soccer won two Conference USA Championships.
As a Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant at the University of North Texas from 2016 to 2017, Lopez implemented softball's strength and conditioning regimen while assisting with football, men and women's basketball, volleyball, and men’s and women's golf.
Prior to North Texas, Lopez coached at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 2016 to May 2016. Lopez oversaw the day-to-day operations for the Post-Graduate Strength and Conditioning program while assisting with the training protocols of Impact’s NBA Combine Prep program and several NBA athletes.
Lopez interned with the University of North Texas from May 2015 to December 2015, interned for Texas A&M University - Kingsville from 2013 to 2015, and played baseball for Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas from 2011 to 2012.
