Hughes, a junior defender from Pickerington, Ohio, started all 25 matches for the Lady Cougars this season and anchored a defense that posted 13 shutouts and allowed just 23 goals. The former Pickerington North High School standout also provided an offensive spark as she scored six goals and registered one assist on the year. She helped MVNU to a 2-1 record at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament to finish the year and was named to the NCCAA All-National Tournament Team for her efforts there.

The Lady Cougars finished the 2008 season with a 16-8-1 overall record that included advancing to the American Mideast Conference Tournament semifinals and winning the NCCAA East Region Tournament in addition to a fifth-place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament.