Sofia Lopez Acosta, the 2018-19 Canisius Female Athlete of the Year, has completed her first season as an assistant coach for the Canisius volleyball program. Lopez Acosta, the 2018 MAAC Libero of the Year, returned to Main Street after a historic two years playing for the Golden Griffins.
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The former Griff quickly transitioned into the role of coach, helping the team repeat the success of her senior season, and once again finish second in the MAAC standings. Lopez Acosta was also a key factor in the development of her successor at libero, Bree Long, into a MAAC All-Rookie Team and MAAC All-Championship Team selection, while helping former teammates Leah Simmons and Camila Vazquez claim All-MAAC honors for the second-straight season.
A four-time MAAC Libero of the Week, Lopez Acosta finished her time as a student-athlete at Canisius with 1,002 career digs, sitting 11th in program history. The libero’s 577 digs in her senior season helped her earn 2018 All-MAAC Second Team and Division I All-ECAC Team honors, while her 62 digs in the two postseason matches earned a selection to the 2018 MAAC All-Championship Team.
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Prior to Canisius, Lopez Acosta played two years for Arizona Western College, averaging 5.40 digs per set and being named an ACCAC Honorable Mention in 2016. She also competed for Baja California for six years, helping her squad to first place at the Mercosul Tournament in Brazil.
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The native of Mexicali, Mexico received her bachelor’s degree in sport management from the College in May 2019, and is pursuing a master’s degree in sport administration.
