BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University athletic department today announced the hiring of Josh Lopez to head the Yellow Jacket women's and men's tennis programs.

With over a decade of tennis experience and a record of excellence both on and off the court, Joshua Lopez brings a blend of competitive insight, coaching expertise, and leadership to the collegiate tennis world.

A former standout player and now a rising coaching talent, Lopez is committed to developing athletes and programs that thrive at the highest levels of collegiate competition.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Josh Lopez to the Howard Payne University family as our new Head Tennis Coach," said Adam Bright, director of athletics. "Coach Lopez brings a strong passion for the game, a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, and a vision that aligns with the values of our athletic department. His leadership and experience will be a tremendous asset to our tennis program, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes and the broader HPU community."

After a successful collegiate playing career, Lopez started coaching and made an impact at the NCAA Division II level. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Western New Mexico University, where he gained valuable experience in recruitment and program operations.

He then served as Assistant Coach at the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), where he played a key role in guiding the men's team to the 2024 NCAA Sweet 16 and a Regular Season Conference Championship. Under his guidance, UTPB athletes achieved national rankings and All-American status, reflecting his ability to mentor players to peak performance.

Beyond collegiate coaching, Lopez has spent eight years working with players of all ages and skill levels, including managing summer tennis camps and currently serving at the Abilene Country Club. There, he designs player development programs, hosts events, and fosters a vibrant tennis community.

Lopez's journey in tennis began as a decorated collegiate athlete, playing four years at Hardin-Simmons University, where he earned a Bachelor's in Exercise Science in 2022. During his playing career, he was a multi-time All-Conference selection and a 2022 Conference Champion, earning accolades for both singles and doubles. His competitive mindset and sportsmanship were also recognized when he was named the 2021 Quad-Sportsmanship Player of the Year.

Josh and his wife, Maggie, now live in Brownwood.