DANVILLE, Ky. - Aaron Lopez got a chance to start immediately his freshman year when he got to Centre College but understood when coach Drew Briese took him out of the lineup because of his lack of hitting.

"I had limited success (he hit .194 in 18 starts). I was not performing to what our standards are," said Lopez. "I went back that summer and tried to work and find the confidence I had lost. My sophomore year I decided to focus on baseball and school. It  went well and has been trending upward for us ever since."

Lopez has been part of what should be the all-time winningest class in Centre baseball history. He hit .274 with 23 RBI's and 26 runs scored in 2024 when he started 44 games. Last season he started 41 games, hit .326, scored 34 runs, drove in 27 runs and drew 29 walks.

In the opening weekend series against Chicago, he went 4-for-12 at the plate with two doubles and a home run, drove in three runs and scored twice.

"Ou team has continued to get better every year and now we have seven seniors in the starting lineup. The experience we have is probably more important than the talent. We also know how to push each other to make us all better," Lopez said.

The Colonels won 28 games in 2023, 36 in 2024 and 32 in 2025 — the three highest single season win totals in school history. They have started this season 2-1 and if they win 16 more games, they will become the winningest class in school history.

This season is already special for Lopez because his brother, Joel, is a freshman infielder for the Colonels. The two never played on a competitive team together growing up in Atlanta.

"It has been super exciting having him here and showing him the way. Going out my last year and finally being able to play with my brother is a once in a lifetime deal,"  Lopez said. "If we run through some teams like we should there will be a lot of opportunities for a lot of players on our team, including him, to play. I am hoping we have some good games where up a lot and that will open opportunities for guys to see some live pitching. It's important for Briese to get those guys in for next season."

The senior said he is not the "main reason" his brother is also at Centre.

"Our academics are phenomenal. It is a lot more than just me being here that made him want to come," the Centre senior said.

Aaron Lopez is proud that his class started with 15 players and all 15 are still on the team this season.

"We don't take our time for granted. We've mentioned the last couple of months about spending all the time together we can. We are all very grateful for what Centre has brought us," the senior infielder said.

Lopez didn't think he would struggle his freshman year like he did. He admits he was very "confident but not in a cocky way" thinking he was the best player on the field.

"I did not realize until I stepped on the field how much faster college baseball is than high school or even travel ball," Lopez said. "I was a shortstop coming into college but I transitioned to second base which was the best move in my career. I feel more comfortable and my defense is way better."

While each senior player has his own personal goals because of their individual competitiveness, they all understand that helps the team win. Senior infielder Chase Austin has over 100 career starts and the two push each other daily.

"We help each other. It is competitive. We each have our own goals and talk about that. It is all friendly between us. It is not like where someone is going to offend someone," Lopez said. "We all have our own goals for ourselves, but we also set goals for the team."

Lopez "loves" Briese and credits his leadership/demeanor for keeping his senior class together and building the winning culture Centre baseball now has.

"He has been great to all of us. He knows when something is going on and will talk to you. He just has a presence about him. He will put his foot down for you whether it is on the field, in the classroom or on campus," Lopez said. "It is way more than fans see on the field that Briese puts in that people don't see. All of us have learned to be grateful for that and to also ask for help and feel comfortable asking for help from Briese."

He has learned it is important to have time to "relax and debrief" daily and has stressed that to his brother.

"I have priorities with school and baseball but it is important to be mentally sound and find time to relax every day," he said.

Lopez worked at a mortgage solutions company last summer but plans to go into a wealth management career after graduation.

"I think that is something I will really enjoy but my priority right now is making this baseball season special and enjoying having my brother on the team this year," he said.