Up and Coming: Liz Lopez | 1000 Rated Disc Golf Players, News, scores, and more

Up and Coming: Liz Lopez #31162

November 2008
PDGA #31162

Hailing from sunny San Antonio, Liz Lopez is one of the newest competitive female pro players on the disc golf circuit. Picked up by Discraft in 2007, Liz has been touring extensively and reaping the benefits from the experiences she’s had thus far. She began to play the game with college friends in 2005 and at the time would head out to the course a few times a month. It wasn’t until 2006 that she really became hooked, and during the summer of 2007 she starting competing at the Pro level.

Liz ran cross country and track in high school, but her passion at that age was volleyball. She had plans to teach the game at one point, and said, “I had no idea that another sport could replace the passion I had for [volleyball].” Along came disc golf, and, well, you know how it is…

In 2008 Liz competed in her first full year of Pro disc golf and has piled up some impressive numbers, cashing in all but 3 of the events she’s attended. Her recent 4th place finish at the Players Cup and a 4th place finish in the PDGA National Tour Standings for 2008 should give her even more confidence for 2009.
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We caught up with this up and coming player to find out about her touring experiences, getting sponsored by Discraft, the Texas disc golf scene, and some other fun stuff…

1000 RATED: During the first half of 2007 you virtually tore up the competition in the Advanced Women’s division with 8 first place finishes in 12 events, including a 35 stroke lead at the Minnesota Majestic, a 10 point lead at the Discraft Great Lakes Open, and a 37 stroke lead at the Kansas City Wide Open. Quickly picked up by Discraft after the 2007 World Championships, how did this boost your confidence coming into the 2008 season, and what have you learned over that time frame that has helped you compete against some of the best?

LIZ: Being picked up by Discraft definitely boosted my confidence because I felt my performance as an amateur was noticed and rewarded with a spot on their team. Knowing they believed in me helped motivate me to practice and try my best to perform well in the open division. In the very beginning I would get extremely nervous to the point of nausea. I thought I was the only one that felt like this and it was difficult getting past it but after talking to a few of the girls I learned that even the seasoned pros get nervous. Hearing that made me feel a lot better about it and after a while I was able to overcome the nerves and turn it into positive energy. Being able to do that was important because it has helped me feel comfortable playing alongside the top pros.

1000 RATED: You’ve played 30 Pro tournaments so far this year with $6,690 in winnings. That’s impressive for a first full year on the Pro Women’s tour. How exciting has this been for you and what are some of your favorite memories from 2008? Is there anything specific you’re hoping to accomplish in 2009?

LIZ: This accomplishment is very exciting for me because coming into 2008 my goal was to cash in at least half of my events and make at least 2,000 dollars. I didn’t realize how low I was setting the bar for myself. This whole year has been so amazing being able to take time from school to travel the country. I have seen so many beautiful places and met so many wonderful people. I have taken memories from every event this year but some that stand out for sure Liz Lopez would be my time at the Memorial, The Vibram Open and The Players Cup. The Memorial was especially memorable because it taught me so much about confidence. It was the first NT of my pro career and so my only goal was to not get last. After the first 2 days I had scored well enough to land the last spot on the lead card. It was extremely shocking to me that I was going to be playing with THE best women in the world. I was feeling really anxious and nervous because I felt like I had no business being there and was terrified of making a fool of myself. Luckily Eric was there to calm my spirits and remind me that I did belong there and I needed to believe I belonged in that group. I took lots of deep breaths to make the shaking go away. I knew all I needed to do was give it all I had. I ended up with a third place finish and a new outlook on the season ahead. The Vibram Open was just a top notch event; I can’t even compare it to anything else. Steve Dodge is the man, that’s really all I need to say. The Players Cup was especially memorable because I got to see my best friend win his first Major! Shout out to McCabe! It was bittersweet because I had finished 4th, which was my best finish at a major, but it sadly marked the end of my rookie season. Some goals for 2009 include winning rookie of the year, winning an NT, and hopefully playing as much as I did in 2008.

1000 RATED: A volleyball player in high school, you obviously took some of this athletic inclination and technique on to the disc golf course once you started playing. How do you think this helped you transition from a sports hobbyist to a disc golf pro? Do you think your game would have developed as easily without this pre-seasoned hand eye coordination and competitiveness?

LIZ: I have always been a competitive person and so when disc golf came along for me I knew it was only a matter of time before I pursued the sport beyond a hobby. I definitely feel that my volleyball background contributed to the development of my game. I don’t think I would have picked it up as easily had I not been active in sports. I was an outside hitter; so much like volleyball disc golf requires a good run up and follow through. Like any sport practice is essential in developing your skills. I knew that it would take more than just playing rounds to get me to the level of play I desired.

1000 RATED: The Pro women of the sport are dying for more competition, better payouts and more recognition. It goes unsaid that some tournaments have a decent turnout with a nice purse - yet others may only have a few players and a winner takes all scenario. Some things may need to change in order to help the sport attract and retain these Pro Women. Do you think Juliana Korver’s new La Vie En Rose tournament is a step in the right direction?

LIZ: I feel like any event that is geared specifically towards women is a wonderful idea. There are many women that play and we are just scattered all over the country. Events like the Texas Women’s Championship, Women’s Nationals and now La Vie En Rose is a great way to bring the women together to promote the sport. It is so refreshing to see other women who share the same love for the game as you do. There are only a handful of women that actually tour so attending these events is a special opportunity to meet women from all over the country. I know it makes me feel special and blessed knowing we are appreciated as women in disc golf. The TD’s of these events go above and beyond to make it a great and memorable experience.

1000 RATED: Who in particular has given you the most help during this journey over the last few years? Are there any players you’ve looked up to and learned from that have really helped you develop your game? If you can narrow it down at all - What do you think is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

LIZ: Eric McCabe is the person who encouraged me to hit the road and pursue my goals in this sport. In 2007 when he was about to leave on tour he took me along for the ride and we just never looked back. He inspires me everyday to do my best and never to settle. Just getting to play with him everyday has elevated my game to a level I wasn’t expecting so soon. He is a great teacher and motivator. I don’t have much family support in this dream and so I am very grateful for the role Eric plays in my life.

Liz Lopez I look up to Juliana Korver, I’ve never had the honor of playing with her but just seeing her accomplishments and the way she presents herself as a woman really inspires me. She brings such a positive image because she is well educated, talented, and beautiful. I have also looked up to players like Nate Doss and Des reading. I learn so much just watching players like these compete. I try to soak in as much as I can whenever I get the opportunity to play with Des or watch Nate on a lead card at a major.

I think the most important thing that I have learned is that everyone has bad rounds. No one can ever really say they played perfectly. Bad shots happen and the best you can let them go and forget about them the better off you will be. I have seen players rounds go down the tube after a bad hole because they get so angry and dwell on the bad shot it sets the tone for the rest of the round. You can’t dwell on bad shots or bad rounds. The true test is bouncing back from them. I feel like this has helped me so much with my game because I can let things go easier than most I think.

1000 RATED: Since you have a chance here to offer your own advice, what tips can you offer to the women of the sport who are trying to raise their level of play?

LIZ: I would say that playing a variety of courses really helps you to raise your level of play. Try to stray away from your home course and play other courses that may be in your area. If it’s the only one then make up your own holes and play safari golf. This helps a lot with learning new shots. When you play the same course all the time you’re just conditioning yourself to throw the same shots over and over. It is also a good idea to play with people who are better than you. This helps you see what you can work on as far as technique and help tighten up all the loose ends. Most importantly is your mental game. Staying positive goes a long way. We have to be our biggest motivators. If you don’t believe you can do something then you can’t. It’s as simple as that.

1000 RATED: Based in Texas, you have a chance to play with a lot of different types of people, a variety of courses, and some of the best tournaments in the country. Can you talk a little about your experience locally and how this has shaped your readiness for tournament play across the country? Are there any courses and tournaments you just couldn’t do without in your area, or do you think the traveling across this land has done more for your game overall?

LIZ: When I started playing disc golf, I didn’t have much coordination as far as technique went. When disc golf became more a part of my life I joined my local club and they helped me develop my style of throwing. They were very supportive and encouraged me to play tournaments outside of south Texas.

Liz Lopez There are so many wonderful courses in Texas. I definitely love Cedar Hill and Lake Lewisville. North Texas disc golf is just amazing and the tournament scene is pretty huge. I enjoy anything Dynamic Discs puts on. Jeremy’s events are always amazing and bring in record numbers. The Texas State Championships is one of my favorite events as well. It is held in the Houston area and also attracts many players.

Overall, I feel like I have learned more from my travels than at home mainly because I have spent most of my disc golf career on the road. Playing such a variety of different courses has helped me develop new shots as well as disc selection, which I didn’t have before. There is also more competition playing the NT’s and Majors than locally. Playing with different people helps you learn and make sense of why you would throw a particular shot in a given situation.

1000 RATED: Before Disc Golf, what did you study in school or intend to do with your life?

LIZ: Before disc golf I was an education major. My plan was to teach English and coach volleyball. I had no idea that another sport could replace the passion I had for that. After taking a year and half off school to travel and play tournaments my plans have completely changed. I have fallen hard for this sport and hope to be able to travel as long as I can. Teaching won’t give me the freedom to do that so now that I am back in school I am finishing up my basics until I can figure out what I would like to do instead.

1000 RATED: Is there anything you hope for the future of this sport? Do you see things growing more and more over the years? Also, from a player’s perspective, what do you think the PDGA can do to boost membership and player interest?

LIZ: I hope that it would one day become part of the Olympics. I know we are a long way from that but I always dream that would happen while I am still able to play. I feel like the sport is definitely growing each year and more people are aware of what disc golf is. There are enough new members and courses going up each year that I don’t see it slowing down. I think the PDGA is doing a good job as far as what it offers to its members. I think the Drive for the Championships was an awesome idea because it gave us the opportunity to compete for points and incentive to do so with a cash reward at the end of the year. I think if they developed a system similar to this for amateur players they would boost some membership and player participation in tournaments. Its always fun following your favorite top pros during the race and I think it would be great if ams could be a part of that.

1000 RATED: Who is your favorite 1000 rated player and why?

Liz Lopez LIZ: I’m gonna have to go with the obvious choice on this one. Hands down Eric McCabe, I mean he is my favorite person period. He is a quiet spirit but has been able to make his presence known around the country with his many victories and great finishes. He has been flying under the radar for a few years now but with his first Major win at the Players Cup he is definitely going to be a force to reckon with in 2009. I admire his humility as a player and how down to Earth he is. He has been the most encouraging person in my life and I appreciate that more than he knows. Everything he has done and every piece of advice he has given has helped shape the person I am today.

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***We would like to thank Liz Lopez for taking time to answer our questions and we wish her the best in 2009 and beyond.

krazyeye on November 25th, 2008 at 11:01 pm

Go Eric and Liz. God blesses you everyday.

Patrick Blazek on November 26th, 2008 at 4:51 am

Hurray! Congrats on ur awesome rookie year Liz. Next year’s gonna be sweet!

Keoni Hennessy on November 26th, 2008 at 5:01 am

Woot woot! Go Liz Go! Ever since we all hung out at Beaver State my life has been blessed with your friendship! I enjoyed watching you keep up with the best of the best! Congrats on your first full pro year! Text me! - Keoni

Steven doc Norby on November 26th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

Best to LL & E~MAC!!

Throw some L’s on it!!!!

Matthew Petre on November 26th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

Congrats on the best rookie year! Liz it has been a joy to get to know you and I know your play will only get better and better over the next few years, but you are the kind of person that will never forget us that don’t have as much hope for improvement in our games Hope to see both of you on the tour many times next year.

Your touring am friends…

Tracy Petre on November 26th, 2008 at 12:29 pm

You two are the most inspiring people I’ve yet to meet. God has blessed us with your friendships and being a part of our disc golf family. Congrats on all of your accomplishments in ‘08 and many more in ‘09!

Mom on November 26th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

Way To Go Liz!!
I’m Proud Of You!!

Don Mordecai 24872 on November 26th, 2008 at 7:54 pm

Teaching and coaching are important, but so is going for your dreams!!! I think it is cool that you are doing just that! Teaching will be around for a long long time. When you are ready, it will be waiting for you! Congrats to you both on a great year and here’s to 2009! I am sure more adventures and bigger success’ await both of you!

dm4

Bangrrr Bob on November 26th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

Congrats Liz! It’s about time somebody noticed all the hard work you’ve been putting in all year!!!! Now they just need to give you that rookie of the year trophy you have EARNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ruder on November 27th, 2008 at 12:05 am

YOU ROCK LIZ!!! It’s always fun seeing how well you play, May next year be even more successful.

Hickman on November 28th, 2008 at 12:28 am

CLASSY.

Natalie Lozano-Cuz on November 28th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

Hello Liz, your Mom has been keeping me up with your sport and how well
you’ve been doing. I am very proud of you and you have definately
made your family proud!!. Be proud of all your accomplishments and
know that your family is cheering you every step of the way.

Love your cousin,
Natalie

Joyce McCabe on November 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

Liz:

Congrats on a very successful rookie season. You have accomplished a great deal in a short period. I am very proud of you. While you are touring I am watching your scores on the web, I am so happy that you were there with Eric at the Players Cup and have been a part of his life. I am very proud that Eric has influenced you but please know that you in turn and been a big part of Eric’s success. Best of luck to you!

Dana on November 30th, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Great interview! Congrats on the awesome year, Liz!

Kenny Lee on December 1st, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Nice article. Hope you two can make it out to CA for another St. Patty’s Day in Orangevale. KL

Desiree Reading on December 8th, 2008 at 11:58 am

Yeah Liz!!

As a former Rookie of the Year (2001), you took it to a new level. Way to go and inspire the new and the old in positive ways. It is always my pleasure to play with you and I am looking forward to many more rounds together. Come on out women it is a mighty fine time. Des, 3X World Champion

Nicole Frazer on December 10th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

Go Liz!

Congratulations on this incredible rookie year! It’s always been such a pleasure to play with you! You have fabulous attitude and skills, and you have already come so far in this sport; I know you will go so much farther! ROY 2009!

Nicole

Nicole Frazer on December 10th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

I meant 2008, of course!

Candy Roque (FL) on March 15th, 2009 at 12:09 pm

Liz it was so nice to meet you in Orlando and then in Live Oak, FL. From the moment I met you, you seemed very sweet and so down to earth. You are an amazing player and thanks for signing my discs. Also you are right, Eric is a great player also and as sweet as you. It was cool for him to caddy for you in Live Oak.

I know you will have an amazing year.
Good Lick.

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