User:Rlopez2626/sandbox

Veronica Lopez (born November 26, 1979) is an American, former collegiate All-American, professional All-Star right-handed batting softball third-baseman and pitcher, originally from Anaheim Hills, California. She played for Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN) in the Big West Conference from 1998 to 2001.

Early life and education
Veronica Lopez was born in Santa Ana, California. Lopez has four siblings, two brothers and two sisters, Ruben, Juanita, Diana and Anthony Lopez they are all born in California. Lopez' older brother, Ruben played Varsity Baseball in his Senior year for Canyon High School while she played Varsity Softball in her Freshman year. She began playing softball at age nine and pitching at age ten. She played all four-years in Varsity Softball and was named Athlete of the Year in 1997. Growing up, Lopez showed interest playing softball when she watched her older brother play Little League Baseball. Ruben and Veronica would together practice baseball and softball in the back of their parent's dry-cleaner business alley in West Anaheim.

High School Career
In September 1995, Lopez's teammate Michelle Carew, the daughter of Hall of Fame baseball player Rod Carew was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Tragically, Michelle passed away on April 17, 1996. To honor Michelle Carew, an annual prestigious tournament was born - The Michelle Carew Classic.