Name: Joe HughesHometown: Carle Place, New YorkRelationship Status: TakenMajor: Elementary educationYear: 2016
Why did you choose to major in Elementary Education? “Well, I came to school undecided, and I was open to a lot of things, but one thing I knew is that I didn’t want to sit in a cubicle and just look at a computer all day. One thing I thought about was marketing, but then, I don’t know. I knew I wanted to help people in some type of way. Elementary education just felt like the best fit for me. I can help kids and coach soccer and be communicating with people all day, instead of you know, being in a cubicle all day”.
What do you like to do in your free time? “I love barbequing with friends, chucking the Frisbee around, playing some corn hole. I like spending time with my family, obviously, and going on walks with my dog.”
How would your friends describe you? “How would my friends describe me? I don’t know! My friends–they’d probably describe me as–I’d like to think that I’m fun to be around and just looking to have a good time.”
What’s the best part of being a New Paltz Hawk? “I like having the family environment. Most people come into college nervous about finding a friend group, but I had that luxury of walking in with 30 friends that I consider my family now. We have the whole ‘we’re all in this together’ vibe.”
What has been the most rewarding experience as captain of the Men’s Soccer team?“I like being the person that the freshman feels comfortable going to with questions (because) I know when I came here I had a lot, a lot of questions. I like how it came 180 degrees; now, I’m the person they can go to. It’s a cool dynamic and I hope I’m doing a good job doing that– making them feel comfortable in their new home.”
What’s one word you would use to describe your team? “I want to say determined, but that’s so cliché. Let me think of something good–hungry! We’re hungry for a win baby!”
As captain, what do you hope to change within your team?
“Well, obviously, the past two seasons we’ve had a losing record, so, I want to change that so, we have a winning record. I want us to have fun and stay focused on the goal the whole year.”
You’re so tall? Why soccer?“Idk (I don’t know), You know, I haven’t always been this tall, but that’s the beauty of soccer. One of the best players in the world is five feet six inches it doesn’t matter what size you are. This sport doesn’t really discriminate. That’s the beauty of it. You can have someone who is five feet six inches, or someone who is like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a specimen at six feet two inches.”.
What’s one thing on your New Paltz bucket list? “That’s a good question. One is definitely to go to Joe’s, the bar up top. Oh, and win a SUNAYC Championship.”
What’s one piece of advice you would give to incoming Hawks? “Don’t overstress yourself out. This is supposed to be the best years of your life. Don’t waste it stressing.”
Lightening Round:
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? “I’m not that crazy. Umm… I don’t know. Now I have to do something crazy.”
Top three favorite qualities in a girl?“Being able to make me laugh, kind, like someone who overall cares for others, and someone with a good smile.”
Life motto:“Put others before yourself.”
Theme song: “Use Somebody”- Kings of Leon *starts singing: “I’ve been roaming around just looking down at all I seeeee”
Celebrity Crush:“Alex Morgan”
If you could transport yourself instantly, where would you go, and why? “Australia. Why? I don’t know. I’ve never been there, but (it) just seems like it’d be an awesome time, and it’d be something new.”
If you could have dinner with someone dead or alive, who would it be and why? “The guy from Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell. He had a huge impact on me after watching the movie. I have the upmost respect for him and I’d like to hear his story in person.”
If you’d like to see more of Joe, cheer him and the Men’s soccer team, as they embark on their hunt for a SUNYAC championship. Visit: http://www.nphawks.com/schedule.aspx?path=msoc for their 2015 schedule.