In her first year as a CSU East Bay Pioneer, junior Jenel Lopez has been an anchor for the Pioneer swim team, breaking a total of four school records in one season.

Among the records that Lopez broke were two individual records, one in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle, and two relay records in the 200-yard medley alongside teammates Bethany Hoopman, Rachel Knowles and Alyssa Tenney as well as in the 400-free relay along side Tenney, Hoopman and Sara Bonino.

“The two individual records felt really good because they were my best times ever,” said Lopez. “It just shows how well we have all been training and how good Ben and Annie have been coaching us.”

“Jenel is just a gem. She doesn’t only race well, she knows how to take care of herself in terms of practicing. She brings attention to what she’s doing in practice so she doesn’t go through the motions,” said head swimming coach Ben Loorz.

In working with Lopez in just less than a year, Loorz — along with the rest of the Pioneer swim team — appreciate the pure talent and extra spark that Lopez has brought to the group.

“She’s got a lot of talent, but she pushes that talent as well. She doesn’t just ride by on talent,” explained Loorz. “She’s a great blend of somebody who leads not only by her speed, but she’s able to lead vocally as well.”

Lopez believes her experience as a Pioneer has helped her grow as a person and she emphasizes the excitement she has had being able to be a part of the CSUEB swim team.

With the season is coming to an end, Lopez looks to close it out on a good note and is already anticipating even more success in next year’s swimming season, which will also be her last.