A coach and a player came together Thursday but not on the volleyball court: NBC Los Angeles’ Lolita Lopez surprised the newly announced 2026 Rose Queen Serena Guo at the Tournament of Roses house in Pasadena.
“Hi, Coach Lolita! It’s so good to see you,” Guo excitedly said when Lopez walked in as her interviewer.
When not reporting, Lopez, a volleyball player and track-and-field athlete who graduated from Harvard University, also helps coach youth volleyball for Crown City Sports Academy, based out of Pasadena.
“Our uniforms have roses on it,” Guo explained.
Since being named to the court, Guo and her fellow members have been busy with daily activities.
“It’s just so heartwarming to see how many people hold Pasadena close to their hearts,” Guo said. “It’s been super exciting, and I think I’ve also learned a lot from all of the etiquette, speech, and leadership training, and I’ve had a great time with all of my girls,” she added.
These are young women who Tournament of Roses officials say are equally as impressive as Guo, a senior at Arcadia High School.
The court has two college students, including the first from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) Another member of the court is a talented flutist who has played at Carnegie Hall five times and helps foster children through music education.
Another young woman is thriving and a leader at her school even as she recovers with her family after losing their home during the Eaton Fire in January.
And one court member has led to changes for who can apply to be on the court. After suggesting the eligibility should be extended to others, the tournament has added seven new zip codes, they say, offering more diversity
“These girls have inspired me so, so much. And I believe they made me into the person I am today, even though I’ve only known them for about a month. But because they’ve inspired me so much, they pushed me to be better,” Guo said.
The young women will continue their hectic schedule all the way through Jan. 1, 2026 when they will be part of the Rose Parade.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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