By Landon Rogers-Neubarth
Ponte Vedra High School senior Jack Lopez received an offer to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut. He hopes to continue his and pursuit of a military career, working on his engineering after “I was very excited, I was and am very appreciative of my parents for all the sacrifices they have made to get me to the point where I am,” said Jack.
Jack grew up watching his older brother play soccer and instantly fell in love with the game. 13 years later, Jack received the perfect offer from USCGA allowing him to continue playing soccer and focus on his dream. The 2022-2023 season was Jack’s first year playing for Ponte Vedra High School soccer team, and he immediately became a role model for underclassmen and the rest of the team. PVHS soccer coach Ben Crutcher said, “He was a fierce competitor that did his job. He never let his emotions get in his way, is super intelligent, and mentored the defense.” Coach Crutcher also added that Jack brings leadership and quality that allows everyone around him to step up.
Fellow PVHS soccer player, sophomore Noah Theisen, saw Jack as a mentor. “I have never played with a player better than Jack Lopez. He’s always first to tackle, first to win the ball, and will do whatever it takes. Most importantly he’s the best teammate ever.” Jack helped instill a culture of hard work which helped the team recover the surf board trophy, awarded for the winner of the battle of the beach between PVHS and Fletcher High School, for the first time in three years. These memories along with a trip to the district final made this his favorite season.
As a youth, he was always taught “talent gets you on the field but effort keeps you on” from his coaches. This drive and mindset led to his determination to outwork everyone else and to give his best effort at all times. He plans to apply this work ethic to his studies in USCGA’s engineering program. USCGA offers six major operational mission programs: maritime law enforcement, maritime response, maritime prevention, marine transportation system management, maritime security operations, and defense operations.
His father served as his inspiration, formerly serving in the Navy, Jack plans on following in his footsteps of civil service after his time in the academy. “I see myself as an engineer but not sure which kind yet,” Jack commented. His current aspirations are to receive his 4-year degree, then serve for five years as a Coast Guard engineer.
