Good Sports: Sophia Lopes prepares for USC, aiming to make history with Central East

She's not just one of the best. "She is the best hurdler the Valley's ever seen," says Cedric Pulliam. Sophia Lopes is determined to keep making history in the Valley.

"She's broken all of the Central section records," Pulliam said. Even though she's a top-three hurdler in the state of California, Sophia says she still hasn't peaked. "I'm always looking for better," she said.

"I guess you could say I'm never satisfied. " Her talent level is high, but the Central East senior's mental toughness is elite. That type of strength comes from her family.

"My mom and my dad have always been my coach," she said. "They always tell us like, you're not an average teenager. " There's certainly nothing average about the Lopes household.