Name: Matt Hughes
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
What's your earliest memory of playing volleyball?
I started playing volleyball in seventh grade at CHMS. It was a lot of fun.
What do you love about the sport?
Mostly I've had really good teammates throughout all of my years of playing. It was pretty easy to pick up, but I've been working on my game ever since.
How have you evolved as a player since freshman year?
Freshman year I changed from middle to setter, and the coaches have been great helping me transition. I feel that I've grown as a leader and in trying to get my teammates energized.
What's the key to making assists?
Just trust that your teammates are going to be there. You've got to know where they're going to be, and then try to put it in the right spot for them.
How would your teammates describe you?
They'd probably call me pretty quiet. I'm not that loud, but I think they respect me.
Any pregame rituals?
I do setting drills off the wall before each game. I don't feel right if I don't do it before I play.
Have you been in other Central activities?
I played basketball three years, and I'm a member of the marching band and National Honor Society.
Siblings?
My little brother is the backup setter on the team. I also have an older brother and older sister.
Any secret talents?
I'm pretty good at chess. In third grade I got ninth place at nationals in my division. I don't think a lot of people know that.
Where to next?
Indiana University to study business.
Why does coach Tom Gilbert like having Hughes on the squad?
Matt Hughes is a great leader for our program. He will never be the most vocal leader, but Matt will make sure the team knows what to do. He challenges himself to be the best version of himself by being one of the first to show to practice and last to leave. He isn't afraid to speak his mind if he sees something in the opponents' offense or defense which makes my coaching staff and myself trust him. He is constantly looking for ways to win and will do whatever it takes to get there.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
