Thomas Hughes is a freshman from Bridgewater, N.J., majoring in Anthropology & Sociology. A versatile midfielder and defender, he is a Leopards legacy, both of his parents graduated from Lafayette in '00, including his father, Daniel Hughes, who played soccer for the program and was a two-time Patriot League champion. 

Before arriving at Lafayette,Hughes played in a U19 State Cup championship, won two NAL League titles, and reached the Gothia Cup semifinals with SALA Academy. Off the field in high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society and earned an AP Capstone Diploma.

Hughes has two younger sisters, Teagan and Sloane, and graduated from the same school as several notable soccer players, including Casey Murphy, Olympic gold medalist and member of OL Reign and the U.S. Women's National Team; Matt Kassel, who played professionally in MLS; and Derek Luke, a former USL midfielder and defender.

Who introduced you to soccer, and when did you start playing?
My father introduced me to soccer and I started playing at 3 years old.

What's your favorite childhood memory?
Playing soccer with my dad in my backyard.

Who's your biggest mentor outside of sports?
My father 

A True Pard Through and Through 

How has Lafayette athletics shaped who you are off the field?
Lafayette athletics has helped me translate what I learn on the field, like the values of hard work, discipline, and being a good teammate, into my off the field life.

How has your father's legacy at Lafayette Soccer influenced your own experience as a student-athlete?
I've grown up on Lafayette soccer due to my parent's once coming here, so I've always been a fan of the Leopards. Now being able to experience life at Lafayette as a student athlete is something I enjoy and am grateful for as it gives me the opportunity to be a part of a team and place I've supported growing up.

Has there been any teams this season that you were most excited to play against?
Lehigh, growing up on the Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry from my parents, playing in it myself was special.

Bryant University as they were a top 25 team who had plenty of talented players.

Boston University, playing them at home and getting the 2-0 win was special.

What was your first impression of Lafayette when you arrived on campus?
Instantly, it felt like home, I loved the look of campus and the close-knit community feel it gave me. Growing up with two parents who went to Lafayette, I've been around the campus over the years and enjoyed it, and when it came to making my college decision it was the only place that truly felt like home.

On College Hill 

Since it's your first year on the team, how are you adjusting to the pace and expectations of college soccer?
Being a first year, the experience of learning the expectations of college soccer has been a valuable one. I've learned how important it is to pay attention to the details on and off the field and I've also learned the value of hard work and preparation.

When did you face doubt, and how did you push through?
Getting injured earlier this year, I pushed through being unable to play soccer by working hard, staying positive, and taking my recovery one day at a time.

If you could play in any soccer stadium in the world, what one would you like to play in?
Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium

Academics Life

What's your favorite class so far?
So far my favorite class has been my First-Year Seminar on football and its impact.

When you're not practicing or playing soccer, what can we find you doing?
Staying on top of my school work and hanging out with my friends.

What's your favorite spot on campus?
Kirby Athletic Center.

Off the Field Faves 

What's your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because I enjoy being able to spend time with my family and the holiday allows me to remember what I have to be thankful for.

If you could have dinner with any professional athlete or celebrity, who would it be?
Roy Keane, a former professional soccer player.

Favorite sport to watch outside of soccer?
American Football 

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
I would love to go to Ireland.

What's one superpower you wish you had on the field?
Speed

If you had to pick a fictional character as a teammate, who would it be?
Superman

What's one song that always gets you in game mode?
By the Way - Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

What's your favorite home-cooked meal?
My mom's pancakes 

What advice would you give your younger self?
Working hard and staying focused on your goals even through challenges will bring you success.