UC Merced track star receives national honor. Here’s why
UC Merced track and field star Clarisel Lopez Obeso joined some elite company this week.
Lopez Obeso, a school record-holder in five events, has been named a finalist for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year award, the university announced Thursday.
The junior from Lemoore is the only athlete from a Division II program to make the list of 10 female finalists. She’s also the West Coast’s only representative among the female finalists.
The award, named for the legendary tennis player, honors student-athletes of color for performance in sports, academics and community service. More than 900 student-athletes were nominated, according to the UC Merced news release.
Lopez Obeso is UC Merced’s all-time record-holder in the 100 and 200 meters, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay and the long jump. She was also named Cal Pac Female Athlete of the Year in 2025.
Lopez Obeso has maintained a 3.95 GPA and recently earned UC Merced’s Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. She will graduate next month with a bachelor’s degree in public health, completing her degree in just three years.
Lopez Obeso, a Lemoore High graduate, is active in the Merced community, participating in park cleanups and the Merced Christmas Parade. In Lemoore, she volunteers at nursing homes to polish the elderly residents’ nails and volunteers at her church to help with food distribution and cleaning.
Lopez Obeso is the third Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year finalist in UC Merced history. Women’s water polo player Jacqueline Azevedo was a finalist in 2024 and men’s basketball’s player Cameron Brown was one in 2025.
