Vindicator Fall Athletes: Erica Hughes
Erica Hughes had recorded more than 1,000 kills before her senior year at Jackson-Milton even began.
She wasn’t finished quite yet. On Oct. 2, in front of friends, family and the Bluejays’ biggest rival Western Reserve, Hughes eclipsed the 1,500 kill plateau.
Third-grade Erica, who was playing volleyball for the very first time, could never have imagined that moment in her wildest dreams.
“It’s really an indescribable moment,” Hughes said. “You have everyone there behind you and you’re just more motivated to get it done. It’s just one of those moments I’ll never forget.”
Hughes finished her career at Jackson-Milton with 1,657 kills, ranking her fourth all-time in state history.
“I think I’ll remember the group of girls who were with me the whole way,” Hughes said. “Obviously they helped me a lot to get it and just to know that I actually did something and I’ll be remembered for something.”
She may have recorded her last kill as a Bluejay, but Hughes plans to continue her volleyball career at Geneva College in the fall. She verbally committed after the season and said she fell in love with the school on her first visit.
“It’s a really religious-based school and I felt like it fit me the best,” Hughes said. “It’s a great group of girls, so I’m so excited to go there.”