Courtesy of Boise State
BOISE, Idaho – Emily Lopez has been nominated for the American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) Award, the organization announced Monday.
The AAI Award is one of the most prestigious awards in women’s gymnastics, recognizing the top senior female gymnasts in the nation for their dedication, leadership and excellence in the sport.
Lopez is one among 59 nominees for the award and stands along Brianna Brooks of Utah State as the only two from the Mountain West to make the list.
“Emily Lopez has been a cornerstone of Boise State gymnastics, exemplifying invaluable leadership and unwavering dedication,” head coach Tina Bird said. “Her consistent performances have not only elevated team scores but also inspired her teammates.”
Former Boise State gymnast Amy Glass won the AAI Award in 2012 and marks the last student-athlete from a non-power 4 program to do so.
Lopez has become one of the most accomplished gymnasts in program history since coming to Boise State in 2021. In her first three seasons, she earned All-MRGC first team honors four times, including three on bars. The Broncos have also qualified for NCAA Regionals in each season, with Lopez qualifying as an individual twice.
As a junior, she became the first gymnast in school and conference history to score a perfect 10 on bars. That season, she was named MRGC Bars Specialist of the Year and MRGC Co-Vault Specialist of the Year, qualified for nationals on bars and earned All-America second team.
As a senior, she led the Broncos to win the inaugural MW title, securing MW Gymnast of the Year and MW Bars Specialist of the Year.
Now in her fifth year, Lopez guided the Broncos to a MW regular season title and ranks third in school history in career bars wins (18) and sixth in career vault wins (11). She is a four-time Scholastic All-American, two-time Academic All-District selection and three-time Academic All-Conference pick.
“Beyond her athletic prowess, Lopez serves as an emotional leader, fostering unity and resilience within the squad,” Bird said. “Her commitment to excellence culminated in a historic achievement in 2023, when she became the first gymnast in both Boise State and Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference history to score a perfect 10.000 on the uneven bars. This game-changing performance underscores her significant impact on the program and cements her legacy as one of its all-time greats.”
