Lopez joins the Frenship family after serving as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Dalhart High School for the past five years. Under his leadership, the program transformed from eight wins in his first year to a historic 28-win season this past year. In addition to earning 90 career wins in a short period of time, Lopez was named the 2025–2026 District 1-3A Coach of the Year, as well as the 2026 Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Don Coleman 3A Outstanding Coach of the Year.

“During our search, coaches and administrators all said the same thing - he loves mentoring students, and he is highly respected for how he coaches and teaches his players,” said Frenship ISD Athletic Director Bryan Gerlich. “We look forward to him leading our Tigers.”

Lopez began his basketball career as a point guard at Wayland Baptist University. While there, he earned NAIA All-American honors, helped lead his team to an Elite Eight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, and later served as a Wayland Baptist assistant basketball coach.

Lopez now hopes to continue that tradition of excellence at Frenship High School as longtime coach Paul Page retires after 30 years.

“Coach Paul Page is leaving behind a legacy,” said Lopez. “I have tremendous respect for him as both a mentor and a friend. I am excited to embrace the program, build upon its foundation, and carry on that tradition.”

In the coming weeks, Lopez will begin visiting Frenship High School to meet with coaches and student-athletes before the start of the school year, something he says is key to establishing the team’s culture.

“I am extremely excited to lead the boys’ basketball program,” said Lopez. “Trophies, wins, and accomplishments will come and go. My primary purpose as a leader of young men is to use sports, education, and life experiences as tools to help develop our students and guide them to reach, and surpass, their potential. I want them to be successful and have a positive impact on society after high school. That is my ‘why.’”

Lopez and his wife, Deborah, who also played basketball at Wayland Baptist University, have three young sons: Rexton, Rayden, and Russell. The family says they are excited to join the Frenship community.

Congratulations, Coach Lopez!