Senior Rylie Hughes is a standout athlete on the track and basketball court but decided to play her spring sport, soccer, at the college level next year.
Hughes, a starting winger for the girls varsity soccer team, is committed to play Division II soccer at the University of Central Missouri.
“I decided to go to UCM because I love the facilities, the team and coach, and I have a lot of family close by,” Hughes said.
Hughes was top five in the district for the 100-, 200- and 400-meter runs in track and made first team all-district and second team all-region for basketball as a senior. Despite her many honors, Hughes said soccer has always been her favorite.
“Soccer has always been my first love,” she said. “I have always been more drawn to it over any other sport I’ve played throughout the years.”
Hughes recognizes the work and dedication needed to be a college athlete.
“I’m going to get my endurance and strength level much higher and work on technical skills and touch on the ball so I’m ready to play at a higher pace in college,” she said.
After two successful years playing varsity soccer, Hughes has established a leadership role on the team. Underclassmen teammates said they look up to her both on and off the field.
“She has good communication skills and inspires us to compete against better teams,” first year varsity player and sophomore Nataly Jadrijevic said.
Jadrijevic said her teammate’s work ethic stands out.
“She makes us all work to her level because we know that she’s committed and has a higher work ethic,” Jadrijevic said. “We work hard when she’s around us because we all are inspired to be like her.”
As for the current soccer season, Hughes said she has high hopes for the team.
“I’m really excited to play with this new team,” Hughes said. “I think we have a lot of diversity and I think we can go far with this season if we work hard and put our minds to it.”
2022-04-20