WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -Maya Hughes has been a mainstay in the Boilermaker outfield since her arrival on campus, playing in 101 games, starting 83.
With 74 games in center field, six in right and three in left, the junior has used her speed and range to track down many a fly ball. Hughes also has been known to fly around the base paths, posting 37 stolen bases to go along with a .243 average and 43 runs scored.
"Maya has a ton of speed … real deal, hard to stop speed," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "Look to see her be our anchor in the outfield in center field. At the plate, Maya has worked to become more of a triple threat. She is hard to defend and will be a major threat on the base paths. Maya is coming into her own as a leader, which we need. It will be exciting to see her take control of the outfield, as well as put a lot of pressure on the opposing defense."
Snagging balls that teams thought were definite hits is Maya's favorite thing about her position in the outfield, while being able to keep the defense guessing with her versatility is the best feeling at the plate.
She calls her game explosive and says her most memorable moment was her triple against Nebraska as a sophomore that shifted the momentum of the game.
Hardworking, committed and loyal, Maya looks up to her mom, who she says is a fighter, her best friend and one of the kindest and strongest people she knows.
With those attributes as well as six game winning runs and two game-clinching RBI to her credit and skills on the base paths, Hughes is set to continue to be a game changer for the Boilermakers in years to come.
Get to know Maya a little better below.
Fun Fact
Sweet or salty: sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: vanilla
Dogs or cats: dogs
Cooking or eating: cooking
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: big city
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: Golden Beach, Oregon
Place I dream of visiting someday: Paris, France
Person I look up to most & why: My mom, she is a fighter! She is my best friend and is one of the kindest and strongest people I know.
Best feeling in the field (defensively): making a diving catch and throwing someone out after
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Being so versatile that I can keep the defense guessing
Favorite thing about my position: The ability to snag balls that teams thought were a definite hit.
Three words that describe me: Hardworking, Committed, Loyal
One word to describe my game: Explosive
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: University of Arizona
My most memorable sports moment: My triple against Nebraska my sophomore year that shifted the momentum of the game for us
Celebrity crush: Miguel
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Taraji P. Henson
Person I would like to have dinner with:Jesus
Best non-athletic talent: Baking
My stupid human trick is: I am double jointed in my fingers
Dream job: Elementary School Psychologist
Song I have to listen to before a game:Patiently Waiting by 50 Cent
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium (now Bittinger Stadium):The fans
My favorite place to play in the Big Ten, besides home: Ohio State
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: Michael Connell
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: Cake
Favorite ice cream flavor: Apple Pie from Silver Dipper
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite sport besides softball: Football
Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys
Favorite Athlete: Michelle Moultrie
Favorite TV show: How to Get Away with Murder
Favorite Movie: Fault in our Stars
Favorite Book: 13 Reasons Why
Favorite Musical Artist: Rihanna
Favorite type of pizza: Cheese
Favorite Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio and Viola Davis
Favorite Food: Any type of carb
Favorite place on campus: Mackey Favorite city: New Orleans, Louisiana
Favorite outdoor activity: Hiking
Favorite animal/furry friend:Dog
Favorite class at Purdue: Helping Professionals
Favorite Purdue professor: Dr. Natasha Watkins