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07/27/2018 12:00 AMThe Hand boys’ lacrosse team prides itself on going into every game well-prepared and well-versed on its opponent. Kevin Hughes adhered to that philosophy by always staying ready to thwart any pressure from the opposition’s offense as a defender for the Tigers. This spring, Kevin used his excellent play on defense to help Hand go on another memorable postseason run, while racking up some major accolades along the way.
Kevin served as a captain for Hand’s football and boys’ lacrosse squads during his recent senior year. In the fall, he played on the offensive and defensive lines and helped the football team win the Class L state title. Moving to lacrosse in the spring, Kevin played under the familiar tutelage of first-year Head Coach John Orlando, who was Kevin’s youth coach when he started playing the sport in 3rd grade.
Kevin had a standout year by scooping up 50 ground balls to earn a spot on the All-SCC and All-State First Team, in addition to winning the Tigers’ Top Defensive Player Award. Kevin, who also made Academic All-State, helped Hand collect 14 victories and earn its fourth straight appearance in the Class M state final.
Kevin extends a lot of credit to his fellow members of the backfield for helping Hand put together the latest in its long line of great campaigns.
“It was very easy to see the field because of how strong our other defenders and goalkeeper were. [Junior] Griffin Fitzmaurice, I think, is the best goalkeeper in the state,” says Kevin. “Our midfielders also knew what was going on. We had a great coaching staff that helped make it easier to be a leader on defense.”
Kevin goes on to thank his coaches for doing a top-notch job of scouting Hand’s opponents. Kevin says the coaches put a good game-plan in place, the players carry it out when game time comes, and this combination results in prosperous path for the Tigers.
“My success on defense and staying with the ball comes from the prep the coaches on the staff put in. Coach Orlando is an unbelievable scout,” Kevin says. “We played Longmeadow, Massachusetts this year and, after the game, players came up to me and were amazed at how much we knew about them. We also had very good athletes on defense, too. Our starters each had different skills.”
Kevin feels that his biggest growth as a high-school athlete came on the mental side of the game, more so than the X’s and O’s. Kevin spoke up more by relaying important messages to his teammates, while becoming a more confident player in the process.
“I improved the most in my leadership skills. I had great leaders here in the past few years who were also unbelievable players. I saw how they communicated with players, so I tried to embody that,” Kevin says. “I grew in my communication skills, which stemmed from our staff. My confidence also grew after playing teams my junior year like Fairfield Prep and New Canaan and knowing that we could play versus those type of teams. It all helped me grow as a player.”
Kevin’s senior year with the football team gave him a season’s worth of experience as a captain before he even stepped on the lacrosse field this spring. As a result, Kevin felt that he had all the tools he needed to be a successful leader for the boys’ lacrosse squad.
“Being a lacrosse captain meant a lot, and I learned a lot from being a football captain, so I knew what I had to do for lacrosse,” he says. “My co-captains in both sports were also helpful, and my football background really helped me.”
While complimenting Kevin for his diverse skill-set on defense, Coach Orlando adds that his senior captain also showed great smarts with the way he reacted to different scenarios during games.
“Kevin was a very smart player in both even and man-down defensive situations. He was always directing the team defense on the field during the play,” says Orlando. “He was also very solid with stick skills and clearing the ball and a very reliable player off the ball with slides and with one-on-one play.”
Hand football Head Coach Dave Mastroianni describes Kevin as someone who never takes any short cuts and is constantly setting the best example of how athletes should conduct themselves both on and off the field.
“Kevin is one of those kids you want to build your team around. All the time, I have teachers come up to me and tell me what a great kid he is,” Mastroianni says. “He just went about his day and did what he was supposed to do. He knows how to do things the right way, and there’s only one way to do things if you want them done right.”
Kevin is now moving on to Connecticut College in New London, where he will continue to play lacrosse. As he leaves the Hand athletic program, Kevin expresses deep appreciation for the family feel among the Tigers that’s helped him form so many great friendships.
“It was such an honor to be part of this program. There is a brotherhood that runs through all the sports here, even with the alumni,” says Kevin. “Before our state final this year, I got so many texts from alumni, which was inspiring. It’s nice to leave here with a great upcoming senior class, and I am also happy that I made great connections here.”