Former basketball player finds purpose in sports medicine
Anaya Lopez is graduating from the College of Health Solutions with a Bachelor of Science in sports science and performance programming. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
It was an unexpected moment that gave high school basketball player Anaya Lopez the spark for her future career.
“During one game, a teammate got injured. Watching the athletic trainer come out and assess her fascinated me,” Lopez said. “That moment sparked my interest in learning more about sports medicine and how to help people recover.”
This spring, she is graduating from Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions with a Bachelor of Science in sports science and performance programming. Lopez plans to return to her roots as an athlete and work alongside her high school as a member of the athletic training staff.
Her academic excellence will set the stage for graduate studies in the future.
According to College of Health Solutions Assistant Teaching Professor Frank Paul, Lopez is best described as dedicated, self-motivated and passionate. Her dedication shows in the time she spends supporting the Clinical Exercise Physiology Lab, both as part of her coursework and independently.
“Her dedication has positively impacted both my ability to teach and the students she engages with. She exemplifies the essence of student success through her initiative, reliability and commitment to excellence,” Paul said.
At her core, Lopez seeks to help others succeed and achieve their goals. Here, she shares more from her college journey.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I chose ASU because of its strong sports science program and the opportunities to get hands-on experience in performance labs and with athletic teams. Plus, the campus energy and support systems made it feel like a place where I could grow professionally and personally.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: One thing I learned at ASU is the importance of time management. Balancing classes, labs, studying and personal life taught me how to prioritize and stay organized. It surprised me how much smoother everything felt once I started planning and using my time more intentionally. It made a big difference in both my academics and overall well-being.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Professor Frank Paul taught me that the details matter. He always emphasized precision and purpose in everything we did, whether it was in class or hands-on work in the lab. That mindset stuck with me and shaped how I approach training and rehab.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Get to know your professors. They’re there to help, but they can’t support you if you don’t make that connection. Building those relationships can lead to great mentorship and strong recommendation letters when you need them.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I’m heading back to San Diego to volunteer with the athletic training staff at my old high school. After that, I plan to pursue my master’s in athletic training and continue building a career helping athletes stay healthy and perform at their best.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I’d use it to help address homelessness. Everyone deserves a safe place to live, and I think investing in housing, support services and job programs could make a real difference in people’s lives.
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