Courtney Hughes resigned from her position as varsity softball coach at Souderton Area High School last Friday. Stepping into the role of head coach will be Steph (Denlinger) Rummel, who served as an assistant under Hughes.
The following submissions were sent to the web site in one e-mail as a show of support for Hughes, who was in her fourth year at the helm and also coaches the Souderton Strikers club field hockey team.
Support for Coach Hughes
Courtney Hughes is without a doubt the best varsity softball coach to come through Souderton. She helped shape me into the player that I am today. Her competitiveness is what helped make the 2011 softball team so great. We wouldn’t have gotten to the state tournament without her toughness, discipline, and overall great coaching. Being a national champion herself, she understands the commitment and mental toughness it takes to be successful on the field. She is a great role model to young players who want to be successful in high school and college. In her four years as head coach, she helped better the program in all aspects. I was very lucky to have her as a coach for the last two years of my high school career. She helped prepare me for the college level, and I would not have had it any other way.
--Elizabeth Parkins, Souderton Softball Graduate
What Coach Hughes means to me:
Hearing about the recent status of Coach Hughes was devastating to me. Being a part of Souderton softball team, I don’t know how we will be the same without her. She was the engine that kept us going on our (weakest) days. Her spirit emitted and was felt throughout all the Souderton programs. Coach taught me more than how to be a great softball player—she taught me how to be a great person. To understand how phenomenal of a coach Courtney Hughes was you must understand the relationship between player and coach. Courtney and me shared an uncommon - but typical for Souderton softball - bond. I walked into my freshman year expecting to stun her with my amateur talents and sweep the spot of first base. However, Coach and my relationship started from this false assumption. My freshman season was a disaster. I quickly learned that there is always room for improvement and that my lofty attitude needed a harsh reality check. Crying through many practices, Coach gave this to me. I worked relentlessly and moved into sophomore year where I learned the value of earning a position on the field. Yet, I still needed to develop as a player. As the second season came to an end, I had yet to feel that complete triumph with Coach Hughes. This grit intensified into my junior and present year. I owe my development into the player I am and the person I stand to be because of Coach Hughes. Her leaving the team leaves a hole in my heart, and I hope to one day fulfill Coach Hughes’ expectation. My tears and sorrow don’t justify how much (the) Souderton softball program will miss her, and Souderton softball will never be the same. I can confidently say my efforts towards expanding myself as a softball player and a person will be to reach her expectation and make her proud. This will be the toughest mental obstacle I have yet to overcome, but I know my team and I can do this. We are still holding onto your rope---Coach--and we are never going to let go.
---Current Souderton Varsity Softball Player
I still remember my first interaction with Coach Hughes, which was over five years ago; Coach Hughes welcomed me, a young girl with much to learn, onto Souderton Strikers Indoor Club field hockey team. At that point, I had no clue how big of an impact she would have on my life. Coach Hughes has a rare combination of traits that have gained my complete respect - intensity, desire, raw passion for the game of field hockey, and optimism. The greatest thing that I have learned from coach Hughes is that you must believe in yourself, be mentally tough, and have confidence in order to succeed.
Coach Hughes has been the steady rock that has shouldered me throughout my high school career. Her high expectations pushed me to become a better player, and her encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to become a leader. I am so thankful that she helped me get recruited to Lock Haven University where I will be playing field hockey next fall!
Coach Hughes thrives as a perfect role model for girls in this community; she is a strong independent woman who stands steadily in her faith and who is completely passionate about what she does. It is a major loss to Souderton athletics to not have her involved in either one of the sports that she has such a passion for. I am incredibly thankful for the mentorship of Hughes, and I know that she will continue to advise many more girls and will continue to excel as a coach of Souderton Strikers Field Hockey Club.
--Bekah Hershey: Strikers Field Hockey Senior
Coach Hughes has always been a fun coach to be around. She has done so much for me and our whole Strikers club appreciates everything she has done. She has always been a coach that I can look up to and who will be there for me. She’s one of those coaches that when you go to practice you know you are going to have a fun time but learn a lot too. Coach Hughes always helps us to be better field hockey players by giving us constructive feedback, and when we do something good, she makes sure to let us know too. I have learned so much from Coach Hughes and I can’t wait to learn more from her in my future years of playing hockey for her.
--Courtney Kwiatkowski, Current Strikers Player
Where would I be without Courtney Hughes? Well, I probably would not be playing field hockey almost all year round, I probably would not be as committed to the sport, and I probably would not be the person I am today. Courtney Hughes is more than just a coach to my fellow teammates and I. She is a role model and an inspiration to all of us. Hughes has this way about her that makes everyone notice her, and it is not just because of her height. She has charisma, athleticism, determination, and so many other virtues anyone would cherish. With Courtney Hughes around, things get done. She teaches us everything she knows to better ourselves as a team and individually. On the field hockey field, Hughes has taught me to be confident, to believe in myself, and to never give up. These three things can make a difference in an athlete, and she has made that difference in me. However, I have also applied these things in other areas of my life. See, Hughes is an overall inspiring, strong, independent woman. She has put the fire in me and I will never be able to thank her enough for the difference she has made in my life and my teammates’ lives.
--Alyssa Jones, Souderton Strikers current player
Throughout my athletic career, I have had many coaches, ranging from terrible to fantastic. Each one of them has affected me in different ways, but they all played a role in getting me where I am today. I currently play Division 1 field hockey at Lock Haven, and I can truly say that without Courtney Hughes, I doubt I would have been able to say that. She coached me through Souderton high school field hockey for a few short years, but I was able to continue playing under her for my club indoor field hockey team, the Souderton Strikers. She led our team to the National Indoor Tournament three times and was constantly pushing us to better ourselves. Courtney saw greatness within us even when we didn't see it in ourselves, and she fulfilled her job as a coach by forcing us to look within and find what we needed to be able to achieve great things. She still stays in touch and has been not only a coach but a friend to me. Being able to have that balance between being a coach and a friend is a delicate thing that not just anyone can do. I have no complaints about Courtney Hughes, and it would be a privilege to play for her again. She is a phenomenal coach and person. Anyone would be lucky to have her at the head of their team.
--Rachel Valentine, Souderton Strikers Graduate
Hi, I am Michaela. Miss.Hughes works at the middle school I am at. She is an amazing teacher. Every time I see her she smiles at me and says “hi kk!” She is also the student council head leader at my school. She is such a good leader. She tells everyone what to do, in a good way, and she gives feedback to everyone. She was the head leader/manager of our talent show. She had so much work to do for it and put so much effort into it, (and) it turned out great! She was also my sister’s field hockey coach, so every time I saw her, she always came over and talked to me. Every time I went to watch one of my sister’s games I saw her talking to the girls, cheering, giving feedback, and she was always so positive! She worked hard to have a great game each time. She pushed the girls so they would get better, but in a good way. She always said positive things towards them. Whenever I see her at school coaching, she’s always ready; even if she’s tired, she appears confident and positive. I look up to Miss.Hughes, she’s one of my role models. One time when my sister’s team had a dinner, Miss.Hughes sat next to me and talked to me and asked me about school, my music life, sports, and more. She was just so nice to me! Miss.Hughes makes me feel like I’m not a little kid. She takes me seriously and works on student council things with me. It’s like she makes me feel important, and that makes me feel good. I’m pretty sad that Miss. Hughes is resigning. I mean, she has so many great characteristics like: she’s a great coach, a leader, a role model, and I know each one of the girls who she coached always listened to her, took her feedback… and I bet you they will miss her a ton. If I were one of her players I would miss her for sure.
--Michaela – Seventh grade student of Miss Hughes
As a current fourth year Varsity softball player under Courtney Hughes, hearing of her resignation genuinely breaks my heart. From day one, coach brought forth many distinctive qualities that the Souderton softball program had never experienced before. She showed our team what it meant to truly love the sport through her pride, passion and commitment. For me, Coach Hughes was a leader, a mentor and a role model. She taught me how to better myself as an individual player and as a teammate. There are no words to describe how appreciative I am to have been given the opportunity to learn from such an amazing player and coach. She has filled my high school softball years with excitement, intensity and fun. Thank you coach for being my biggest fan; I would not be the player I am today without your constant faith and support. You will forever have my utmost respect and admiration.
--Sarah Derstine- Current Softball Player
Courtney Hughes was honestly, by far, the best coach I have ever had. She has molded me into the player I am today. Her intensity, drive and passion for the game is what I love most about her. She was the kind of person who wanted her players to succeed more than anything. She would push them just enough to make them realize that they CAN do it. I am going to miss her so much- not seeing her standing on the third base line while I'm up at bat, not seeing her stand by us on Senior Night and not hearing her talking about each and every one of her players at the banquet. This is a huge and hard change, especially it being the middle of the season, but I know our team is strong enough to push through these tough times. Through these last six games and through the rest of our softball career, coach will always be in our minds and forever be in our hearts.
--Current Senior Softball Player
Coach Hughes is not only a great coach but an amazing person. She's always motivating and excited about things. She has helped me become the person I am and get to where I'm at today.
--Alayna Brown- Souderton Strikers Graduate
Coach Hughes is one of my biggest inspirations in sports to this day. She is one unbelievable coach, friend, ETC. She has helped me so much in my hockey career and taught me so many new things. She brings nothing but positive attitude to every game/tournament. Her being the Souderton Strikers field hockey coach is a true blessing. Even if we don’t win, she is never disappointed in us. She knows we try our best, and she is fine with that. People may say that she is “too intense,” but that’s what you need in a coach. Someone who will keep pushing you to do the best you can, to always make sure you are as good as possible. Coaches only get more in your face as we get older, but that’s what you have to learn to deal with being an Athlete. She is an amazing coach, and any sports team would be truly lucky to have her coach for their team. She wants to win, what coach doesn’t? The difference with her is that she pushes every single player to do the best they can do so they can have that amazing feeling of pulling out a win for their team. Even if you aren’t having a good day on the field, she talks you through it and gives you great advice for it. It is a huge loss for the school to lose her as a coach; no one else will be as good as she was at her job, and I’m sure those girls will miss her. Love you Coach Hughes!
--Tara Maloney Current Strikers Player
Coach Hughes was not only a coach to me, but someone I could go to for help whether it was on the field or off the field. She understood me, and that meant a lot. If something was wrong she knew right away and could fix it. I think it is true that she was taught with high expectations and continued her coaching ways to have high expectations, but I believe that helped me a lot. How can you get better at anything without having high expectations of achieving? One thing I loved about her being my indoor field hockey coach was, whether we won a game or lost a game, she always had great things to say. She never once yelled at any of us for losing, she would just tell us better ways to improve. Not only was she a role model but someone who I could really look up too. When I first started considering playing at the Division One collegiate field hockey level, I was overwhelmed, but after verbally committing to the same college she attended and played hockey at, I knew I made the right choice! She would always tell me how I'm going to fit in so well and how great I'm going to do in the next fours years as I continue to play. She left an impact on anyone she met; she was patient, kind, energetic, and an overall great coach to have around. I am truly blessed to have had her as a coach for the past four years.
--Tabatha Almond- Souderton Strikers Senior
Coach Hughes was a person that put 100 percent effort into what she loved, and coaching was at the top of her list. Her coaching showed us that she always wanted the best for her players and to win. She was hard on us and pushed us because she knew we could do better and wanted to see us play at our full potential. She put the team before herself and had so much passion for the game and our team. She is one of my biggest role models and someone that I've always wanted to play for. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be the player I am today; she has taught me so much about the game of softball and I couldn't have learned it from anyone better. I am so honored to have the opportunity to play for her and anyone is lucky to have her as a coach. I appreciate all the things she has done for me, and it’s sad to see her leave, but she has a bright future ahead of her and I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.
--Morgan Yoder, Current Souderton Softball Player
Coach Hughes has had a very big impact in my life over the past two years now. She coached my summer league team one night, liked how I played, and then asked if I would like to try out for her indoor club, the Souderton Strikers. Soon after, I tried out and made the team, might I add the best team around. Coach Hughes was honestly one of the best coaches I have ever (had). During the summer, she invited me to go to Festival with the Strikers because she saw my potential, and that made me feel important because at my school, my coach just left me in the dust. During the indoor season, Coach Hughes worked with me more one-on-one because I had had a surgery prior to Festival, so I was still trying to bounce back. Unfortunately, I had to end my indoor season early due to another surgery. Having to tell Coach was one of the hardest things for me to do because I had to tell someone who actually saw my potential, who had faith in me, that I couldn’t finish out the season and I was scared to tell her. Once I told Coach Hughes, she had my back the whole way and NEVER forgot about me. She kept me updated on how tournaments were going, how NIT’s were and she just did a daily call to see how I was doing and to see if I was coming along because she cared. Having Coach Hughes as my indoor coach for the past two years was honestly one of the best experiences of my life because without her, I wouldn’t be in the same place I am today. I thank Coach Hughes for having faith in me and for actually believing in me.
--Becca K. Souderton Strikers Field Hockey Senior
Coach Courtney Hughes is one of the most supportive and energetic coaches I've ever had! I can't thank her enough for the opportunities she's provided me with by inviting me to go to Festival 2012 in West Palm Beach, Florida. One of the main reasons that the tournament was the most fun thing I've ever done was because of Coach Hughes. She's such a great motivator, while still knowing how to have a fun time. Every practice and game I had with her was always so fun. Even if the team was feeling down after a tough loss, Coach Hughes was always able to cheer us up and still teach us the corrections we needed to make. Every experience I've had being coached by Coach Hughes has always been a funny and happy time. She would constantly have me giggling and screaming during practice, but knowing that I had such a great coach, I was always motivated to try my hardest. Having her as a coach was always a great time. I can truly say that Coach Courtney Hughes is one of the best coaches I've ever had and has made all of my field hockey experiences amazing!
--Avery- CB West Field hockey player
Coach Hughes was definitely one of the best coaches I have ever had. Her passion for the sport and competitive edge certainly played a key role in our success. She was not only my coach but a friend and mentor to me for the time I spent playing for her. She put everything into the sport and encouraged and worked with each of us to become better players. I can truly say that I look up to Coach Hughes and will always remember her for her hard work ethic, passion for the sport and her athletes and the important role she played in coaching us to win a National Indoor Championship. Courtney is certainly one of the reasons for my success even now as a college athlete. Thank you for being one of my favorite and best coaches thus far.
--Megan Bolton- Souderton Strikers Club Field Hockey Graduate
I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without Coach Hughes. That is in softball and in life. The things she has taught me on and off the field will stick with me forever. Coach's commitment to and love for the Souderton softball program will not easily be replaced. Playing for her and calling her my coach was an honor, but calling her my role model is privilege that I am extremely grateful for. She pushed me to be the player that she knew I could be and confidently encouraged me to reach my full potential. She taught me to be a good teammate and leader. The amount of respect and appreciation that I have for Coach Hughes is immeasurable.
--Mollie Burrell- Souderton Softball Graduate
While I am sure there are details about the resignation of Coach Hughes (head Souderton Softball Coach) that I do not know, the circumstances around the unexpected and immediate resignation are not only disturbing but also suggest that the Souderton Athletic Program needs a serious evaluation. I have known Coach Hughes for five years, not only as a parent who has Ms. Hughes as a Math Teacher, but also as a parent of an athlete who was coached by Coach Hughes. As a parent who has watched a relentless number of sports events, I have always admired how Coach Hughes – in the same debriefing - can demand excellence from her players, identify a coachable moment and compliment players for work well-done. I am not the only one who recognizes Coach Hughes’ positive coaching; this past Fall at the National Field Hockey Competition in Florida, a Division-I Coach complimented Coach Hughes on her “Positive Approach to Coaching,” despite losing every game. Believe me, my daughter was coached and coached hard by Coach Hughes, and sometimes the words were not what I wanted to hear or what my daughter wanted to hear; but they were words that were sincere and ones that were said only to help my daughter – not only as an athlete but as a person. Where is the support and mentorship for young coaches like Coach Hughes? How has the Souderton Athletic Director supported the growth of Coach Hughes or other young coaches who have such great potential? Why would we move to immediate resignation of a coach like Coach Hughes as opposed to taking the opportunity to leverage her strengths and support her growth? And parents, if you expect a great coach to provide constant compliments to your child without giving your child constructive criticism, give it up – coaches are supposed to facilitate improvement, not validate your child. Coach Hughes has been my child’s biggest critic and, at the same time, her biggest advocate. In my opinion, the resignation of Coach Hughes is another major loss to Souderton’s Athletic Program – Shame on the School Board, shame on the athletic director and shame on the parents for not seeing Coach Hughes’ strengths and contributions. Thank you Coach Hughes and best of luck in another district that can see the benefits of your contributions!
--A Grateful Parent of Three Female Souderton Athletes
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