The Calvin Sports Information Office recently caught up with Sabrina Lopez, a junior on the women's tennis team. The following is a question-and-answer session with the Steger, Illinois native (Illiana Christian) in celebration of National Division III Week.
 
Q: Coming out of high school, why did you choose to become a Calvin Knight? What drew you to the school and the respective sport you are participating in?

Coming out of high school, I really wanted a place where I could grow both academically and athletically but also feel supported as a person and grow in my faith. When I visited Calvin, it became obvious that all of those things would be fulfilled. I loved the campus, but what I appreciated most was the community and how genuine everyone was. The tennis program also stood out to me right away because the team felt a lot like me—they felt like home. I chose Calvin because it felt like a place where I could be challenged but also truly belong.
                                                           
Q: How would you describe your student-athlete experience at Calvin?
 
My experience as a student-athlete at Calvin has been something that I will cherish forever. It's something you have to learn how to balance at times, but it's pushed me to grow so much in my discipline, time management, and mindset. Being on this team has given me some of my closest friendships, and I've learned a lot about competing with confidence while also staying grounded. It's helped me grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Over time, I've also learned that being able to play at this level is a gift from God, and I want to use it to honor and glorify Him.
                                                           
Q: How would you describe Coach Rodriguez and the rest of the Calvin tennis staff? How have they helped you in your career as a Calvin student-athlete?
 
Coach Rodriguez and the rest of the staff have been huge for my development. Coach Rodriguez has shown us repeatedly that he cares about us as individuals, not just as players, which makes a huge difference. He's pushed us to compete at the highest level while also holding us accountable and helping us grow mentally. He's created one of the best team cultures we've ever had. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we've learned so much about resilience, staying composed under pressure, and trusting the process. We're constantly being challenged to be better, and I'm grateful for that.
 
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
 
My favorite professional athletes of all time are "The Big Three"—Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Although Rafael Nadal will always be my favorite, I honestly wish I could be a mix of all three of them. I admire Nadal's passion and the way he plays for his fans and loved ones, Federer's attitude, composure and mindset on the court, and Djokovic's grit, confidence, and ability to rise in pressure moments. They're all obviously incredibly disciplined and focused, and I've learned so much from watching them since I was a little kid.
                                                                       
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Calvin tennis team?
 
My favorite thing about being on the Calvin tennis team is the people. The culture we've built, especially this year, is special. Everyone genuinely supports each other and wants to see each other succeed. Whether it's matches, practices, or just spending time together off the court, it's a group of girls that makes everything more fun and meaningful. It has truly become like a family. We have practice every morning at 5:30 AM, and somehow, I find myself excited to wake up at 4:30 AM because of the girls I get to see when I walk in. They never fail to bring a smile and laugh to my face.
 
Q: Academically, what are you majoring in or thinking of majoring in and how do you balance school and athletics? What do you plan to do after graduation?

I'm majoring in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science. Balancing school and tennis definitely takes a lot of planning and discipline, especially during the spring season, but I've actually found it helpful to be on a team because it keeps me more organized and helps me use my time well. After graduation, I plan to pursue my Master's in Exercise Science at Calvin and go into a career related to physical therapy and personal training, where I can help people improve their performance and overall well-being.
                                                                       
Q: Why do you think Division III was the right fit for you?
 
Division III has been the perfect fit for me because it allows me to fully invest in both academics and athletics. I still get to compete at a high level and be part of a competitive program, which I love, but I'm also able to focus on my education and build relationships outside of tennis. It's given me a really balanced college experience, which is exactly what I was looking for. I wouldn't trade Division III for anything else.