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ÌýÌýJill Painter Lopez Ìý(Jour’94)
Reporter and analyst for CBS/KCAL Los Angeles

Lopez was the only local journalist granted an interview with Caitlin Clark when she accepted the Wooden Award for outstanding collegiate basketball player this spring.

ÌýÌýHow did you score the interview?
It goes back to my CU journalism days. We were always taught about developing your sources and being aware. I knew the Wooden Award executives and watched the schedule, and so that’s how I got it.

ÌýÌýHow does interviewing someone like Clark change how you prepare?
I don’t think it did—the research you do for an interview should be the same, whether that’s a 13-year-old golfer or the most polarizing player in basketball.

ÌýÌýYour three favorite athlete interviews.
Kobe Bryant, John Elway, Tiger Woods.

ÌýÌýFavorite college memory?Ìý
The CU-Nebraska game in 1991. I grew up on Broncos football, my family had season tickets, we love football—and I can’t believe I left at halftime because it was below freezing. It ended up in a 19-19 tie.Ìý

ÌýÌýFavorite place to visit in Colorado?
Fort Collins—not because of Colorado State! It’s where I grew up. I love to get back to Boulder every year, but Fort Collins is my favorite.

ÌýÌýBest part of your job?
Telling people’s stories. I love to bring out what makes people unique. I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I still love it.