Former University of North Carolina soccer standout Justin Hughes joined the Elon men’s soccer staff in June 2010. Hughes, the Tar Heel goalkeeper from 2003-06, returns to the South after a stay in Colorado that included two years as the goalie for Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids.
Hughes was a four-year starting goalkeeper for the storied Tar Heel soccer program, finishing his collegiate career with a 0.79 goals against average, the second-best mark in school history. A 2006 Hermann Trophy candidate, Hughes was a three-time member of the ACC All-Academic Team and was named to the all-conference tournament squad in 2005. Hughes was also a member of the United States U-20 National Team, selected as one of only 21 players to participate in the 2005 FIFA Youth World Championships in Holland.
Following his successful collegiate career, Hughes spent two seasons with the Colorado Rapids, helping the team to a 2007 Reserve Division title. He was also selected as the recipient of the 2008 Colorado Rapids Community Service Award after making 60 community appearances to schools, soccer clinics and camps. Hughes spent this past season playing for the United Soccer Leagues’ Real Maryland FC.
Hughes’ main role at Elon will be goalkeeper training for both the men’s and women’s programs. He received his bachelor’s degree with a double major in exercise and sport science and geography from North Carolina in 2006.
