Former Vermont Tech star looks for more success after first year as head coach

(YSCC) — Whether in high school, college, or the pros, throughout an athlete's career, a crucial part of their journey is dependent on their coach. Coaches can genuinely make or break an athlete's experience as a player. A dependent, goal-oriented coach who values their athletes as individuals while continually trying to form the best version of themselves and the athletes is essential to developing an athlete. A former Vermont Tech Knights player has returned home to be just that coach. 

Jamal Hughes, a former star student-athlete at Vermont Tech, has returned to the Knights to create a different legacy type. 

Hughes, originally from Stone Mountain, GA, knew that basketball would be an integral part of his life. Following in his father's successful footsteps, Hughes eventually landed at Vermont Tech as a student-athlete.

Hughes said he learned important lessons during his time as a player.

"I learned discipline and responsibility. It's a lot that goes into it," said Hughes. "Class, practice, and games....it's a lot of time management. Being a student-athlete prepares you for life in general."

During his time as a Knight, Hughes not only accomplished achievements such as joining the 1,000-points club and was named YSCC Player of the Year in 2015, he also was a two-time USCAA All-American. He averaged 19 points per game in his 2015 season and was ranked fourth in the USCAA with free throws made along with eight double-double games. Hughes has achieved another YSCC accolade. Later this week, Hughes will be announced as a Yankee Small College Conference Men's Basketball Twin Decades team member. 

After leaving his mark as a player, he used his skills as a student-athlete to become an incredible coach. 

Before returning to his Tech, Hughes racked up experience as a coach in many different settings. His journey took him to Franklin, Tennessee, where he led the Freedom Middle School boys' basketball team to a Final Four appearance and winning coach of the year. Hughes then bounced over to Brentwood, TN, to work as the Varsity Assistant at Ravenwood High School, where he helped launch the team to a top 10 state ranking. He continued to work his way down the professional court as he assisted the Tennessee State program in player development and film and video coordination. When he eventually found himself back in Vermont, he had plans to coach at a local high school until the opportunity to coach at a college-level arose.

When Hughes was offered the head coach position for the men's basketball team, it was an offer he couldn't refuse.

"I thought Vermont was a great place to be, so I actually came back to coach at a local High School. Before the season, I received a call from my alma mater and couldn't turn that opportunity down. Coaching in college was always the plan. I was just really blessed to get that opportunity at age 27," said Hughes. 

With all the possible experience a former student-athlete can have at the age of 27, Hughes started in a full sprint to continue his VT legacy.

In 2020, he led the Knights to a Final Four appearance with a 24-9 record.

As the 2021 season remains unannounced, Hughes has plans to continuously better the team in every way possible. His coaching philosophy values ethics, leadership, and a competitive mindset while promoting selflessness, energy, and excellence. His background as a student-athlete has taught him life long skills such as time management, discipline, and responsibility. To be a successful coach, Hughes believes that staying ready for any obstacles and putting in the endless hours will bring any hardworking leader to victory. 

"I am still in diapers when it comes to coaching in college, so I am still looking for ingredients. What I will say is finding time to work on your craft is important. Basketball is an ever-evolving game, so you want to keep learning," said Hughes. "The minute you think you have things figured out, you're probably in trouble. The thing I got from my high school and college coach is how important preparation is. The hours and hours they spent studying is what I want to emulate in my journey."

Despite the current hardships that the pandemic has created, Hughes plans to pursue developing every team member and lead them to prosperity as students, athletes, and remarkable individuals. 

This article was authored by Yankee Small College Conference intern, Anna Allen.