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Match Point Blog: MaTia Hughes
February 24, 2016 03:27 PM | Volleyball
Napoleon Hill once said that, ‘Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggles.’ For Atlanta native MaTia Hughes, her strength comes from the values instilled in her by her mother, Nikki Hughes.
Hughes was born when Nikki was a freshman at Clemson University. While her mother was away at school, Hughes lived with her grandparents during the week and her mother would return on the weekends to take care of her.
Despite the struggles that came with being a single parent and attending college full time, Hughes’ mother was able to graduate in four years with her bachelor’s degree in biology.
Following the completion of her master’s degree and medical school - two incredible tasks for anyone, let alone a single mother - Hughes’ mother started her career as a family physician.
Her mother’s perseverance has taught Hughes that with a little bit of hard work she can overcome any adversity that she faces. No matter what they have gone through, there has always been one consistent, Hughes and her mother have always been there for each other together.
“She always taught me to be independent and strong.” Hughes said. “She tells me to keep going no matter what happens, and I can overcome anything.”
The junior defensive specialist for the Mountaineers, Hughes also relies on her mother’s sage advice on the volleyball court.
“She pushes me, and she is always honest with me about my performance, which helps me a lot.” Hughes noted “I feel like I am a stronger person because of her.”
After attending two different high schools her freshman and sophomore year, including the prestigious Academic Magnet High while her mother was completing her residency, Hughes landed at North Gwinnett High in Atlanta to finish her high school career.
At North Gwinnett High she starred as a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball.
After a stellar career both on the court and in the classroom, MaTia decided to attend the esteemed New York University.
In her sophomore year with the Violets, Hughes was named the ECAC Metro/Upstate Defensive Player of the Year.
After Reed Sunahara was named the fourth coach in program history in March 2015, Hughes decided to transfer to West Virginia University, where she fell in love with her coaches and teammates.
“I love playing for my teammates and for the state of West Virginia” Hughes said, “The fans are awesome and are really supportive of us, which is awesome because it is really hard to find. I appreciate that.”
With the help of Sunahara, Hughes began to develop as a player and became accustomed to the rigors that come with playing volleyball in the Big 12 conference.
“He’s helped me a lot with my technique, and he has helped me become a better volleyball player overall.” Hughes said of her coach “He always challenges us and helps us become mentally strong”
Hughes, a political science major, plans on attending law school after she graduates from West Virginia. After law school, she plans on becoming a defense attorney so she can help people get through the hard times of their lives.
One thing is certain about the future for junior MaTia Hughes. Wherever she goes in life she will have the support of her best friend and mother Nikki, who will always be by her side through the highs and lows.
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