Knoch grad Hughes headed to Point Park
JEFFERSON TWP — Zoe Hughes was torn about whether to play volleyball or softball in college.
Point Park University made the decision an easy one.
Hughes, who graduated this month from Knoch High, will be participating in both for the Pioneers, who offer only five women's sports.
"I was planning to play one of the two no matter where I went," said Hughes. "Both sports (at Point Park) offered and said they'd make it work."
Washington & Jefferson College was interested in Hughes for softball while California (Pa.) University had an interest in her for volleyball.
Fortunately, she didn't have to limit herself. The two sports offered her partial scholarships, which should figure to give Hughes a full ride to the NAIA school.
"I know she's a heck of an athlete," said Pioneers volleyball coach Mike Bruno, who first saw Hughes in action at a Junior Olympics tournament when Hughes was a junior.
"I knew she was a big softball player. When I e-mailed her and saw (her screen name) was something like Diamondfever, I thought, 'Does she like softball better?'
"She told me she likes softball when it's in season and likes volleyball when it's in season. She was up in the air," Bruno added.
So Bruno talked with Pioneers volleyball coach Michelle Coultas and said Hughes could be a valuable addition to both programs.
"The seasons are opposites, so Michelle won't have her in the fall and I won't have her in the spring. It's something we can work out."
"They both stepped up so I'm not caught in the middle," said Hughes. "I talked to both of them. Every time I'd go there, I'd talk to both of them."
Hughes, who currently is playing softball for the Pittsburgh Predators club team, is aware that playing two sports at the collegiate level can be demanding, but she's willing to take that chance.
"I know it will be harder than high school, but I know I'll be able to do it," she said.
Hughes is coming off a successful senior campaign with the Knoch volleyball and softball teams.
The 5-foot-8 outside/middle hitter was named to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association's all-state Class AAsquad after earning MVPhonors for Section 2-AA, as well as WPIALCo-MVP, her junior and senior years. She also was an all-WPIAL second-team selection her junior year.
In softball, the center fielder was among the top hitters in the WPIAL and a Class AAA all-section choice her junior and senior years.
Hughes was a four-year letterwinner for the Knights in both sports.
"Zoe just has all the intangibles," said Bruno. "There's something about her. She's a winner. and she wants to win.".
By attending Point Park in downtown Pittsburgh, Hughes is afforded the opportunity to play close to home.
"I didn't want to be more than two hours away from home," said Hughes. "Two hours was enough. If I got sick or had to go home, I'd be close. It's nice to be close.
"I have a lot to learn, especially as a freshman, but I think with the leadership I've given, that will help," she added.
