Rodney Lopez took over the Chiefs' program in the fall of 2019 after serving as an assistant coach the prior two seasons for former head coach Brad Unger. Lopez is just the fourth Waubonsee head coach in the program's storied history, following in the footsteps of Hall of Fame coaches Bill Prince and Dave Randall, and Chiefs' alumnus Unger. As the Chiefs' assistant in 2018 and 2019, Lopez worked with the infielders and served as first base coach, helping guide Waubonsee to a combined 58 wins those two seasons and a runner-up finish at the 2019 Region IV Division III Tournament. After sweeping a doubleheader at Sauk Valley Community College in early March of 2020, the Chiefs' season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, for nearly a year Coach Lopez had the unique 'tongue in cheek' distinction of being the only head coach in school history with an undefeated record. Last spring Lopez guided Waubonsee to the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference title and a Region 4 Runner-up finish.

Lopez brings years of experience at the youth and prep level to Waubonsee’s dugout. He began his coaching career as a volunteer with the Hegewisch Little League on the south side of Chicago. He held roles as a Coach, Manager, Vice-President and President helping the league win several tournament championships as well as a trip to the state tournament. Coach Lopez went on to start the Hegewisch Heat travel baseball program, which featured multiple teams with over fifty players in the program. More than a dozen Heat players went on to play in college.

Lopez also coached at the high school level, serving as an assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at St. Francis de Sales of the Chicago Catholic League. Off the field he took on an even larger role as the school’s Alumni Director and ultimately Advancement Director. Lopez helped with the Pioneers’ fundraising, student procurement, and assisting students in the college placement process. Coach Lopez later took over as the junior varsity head coach at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep. He helped the Eagles’ soar in the competitive Jackie Robinson South Conference of the Chicago Public League, as they developed into a contender for the conference title and Regional Championship.

Lopez’ full-time job for over 20 years was as a member of the Chicago Fire Department, retiring from those duties in 2019. He has served the people of Chicago along with the communities of Roseland, Hegewisch, and South Chicago. At the same time Lopez has earned state certification as an EMT-B, Hazardous Materials Technician, and FAA clearance official. Coach Lopez and his wife Heidi reside in Chicago and have three sons. Colton and Mason were both were pitchers at NCAA Division III affiliate Beloit College in Wisconsin. His youngest son Merek is a high school sophomore in Whiting, Indiana.

Coach Lopez' Record at Waubonsee

2020                 2-0                     Season halted due to Covid pandemic  

2021                22-23-1              0-2 in Region Tourn.               4-10          7th in ISCC

2022                16-34                                                                     4-10          6th in ISCC

2023                30-27                  Region Runner-up                  12-2         **ISCC Champs

4 seasons      (70-84-1)   45.2%                                                 (20-22)   47.6%