![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-01-11-110104.png?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-01-11-110104.png?width=600)
The story of excellence in both volleyball and track and field started when the Harvard Volleyball player was 12. Eventually, she started competing in not only volleyball but also track and field as a part of Harvard University. She clinched her first National Championship title for Puerto Rico in 1995 in the high jump. But it was the other side that dominated finally.
Volleyball became her passion. As a part of Harvard’s volleyball team, she learned various skills, but the major thing that she aimed at after her collegiate volleyball was journalism. Even though her passion for volleyball was not enough to take her to the Olympics, she has been aiming to stand atop the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but how?
Harvard Volleyball star to lend her journalistic aptitude to Paris
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent revelation, former Harvard volleyball star Lolita Lopez announced that she would move to the 2024 Paris Olympics this year as a part of a sports team. She will cover the whole event as a reporter. To share this moment of triumph about making it to the upcoming big event, Lolita Lopez took to her Instagram and posted a few photographs of her along with Golden Volley. The caption reads, “Maybe I will bring my golden volleyball to the #paris #olympics – PARIS here I come! OFFICIALLY announced. I’m headed to cover the summer games for @nbcla with some superstar talent in GOLD medalist of producers @marysnapdragon – also at the TOP of the podium -NOT PICTURED YET 🙂“
View this post on Instagram
Although Lolita’s lifelong passion was to opt for broadcast journalism, but the course was not offered by Harvard University. However, she still chose Harvard because of the outstanding combination of sports and academics offered by the university. After passing out, Lolita faced the challenge of communicating effectively in the English Journalism realm, being a Spanish Native. But Lolita overcame every obstacle and made her way clear in journalism. The same grit of overcoming each obstacle in her way made Lolita shine astonishingly on the volleyball court despite her physical disadvantages.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Churning out success, belittling all odds
Lopez from the class of 1998 recruits was among the players who changed the fortunes of Harvard volleyball. While she was a part of the team, the program went from last place to second within two years. Besides this, the only match Harvard lost was against the mighty Princeton. In a recent interview with hepstrack.wordpress.com Coach Jennifer Bates said, “Lola was the glue to our team chemistry. She was a phenomenal athlete and a dream athlete to coach.” The major reason for shining on the court was Lolita’s adaptability.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lolita was also among the shorter players, while the position beside her was of two strong setters. However, Lolita accepted the challenge and handled the powerful position of outside hitter, which was supposed to be handled by the tallest players on the team. Despite her height disadvantage, Lolita learned to delay her jumps to coordinate with her teammates, while the coach also helped her by employing precision placement at downward angles. It remains to be seen how Lolita makes her way through the Olympic arena.
WATCH STORY – 7x Skiing World Champion Mikaela Shiffrin’s Intense Workout Routine Challenges Michael B. Jordan’s ‘Creed’ Physique