KENOSHA, Wis. — Carthage College Athletic Director Ryan Kane announced the hiring of former University of Michigan assistant coach Seth Hughes as the next head coach to direct the women’s water polo team. Hughes becomes the sixth head coach in program history for Carthage.
“Seth Hughes’ extensive coaching experience and remarkable achievements make him the ideal candidate to lead our women’s water polo program,” said Kane. “We are excited to see how his dedication to player development and strategic acumen will further elevate our program.”
Hughes’ coaching journey is marked by accomplishments showcasing his commitment to excellence and athlete development. He most recently served as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan during the 2022-2023 season. In this role, he worked closely with student-athletes to refine their skills and techniques under the guidance of head coach Cassie Churnside. Hughes’ dedication to the sport was further demonstrated by using advanced recording and analysis tools to enhance practice and game strategies.
Prior to his tenure at the University of Michigan, Hughes made significant strides in the coaching arena. His experience includes a successful stint as the Head Water Polo Coach at Kearns Water Polo in Salt Lake City, Utah, from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, he led the women’s high school team to three state championships (2018, 2019, 2022) and guided the men’s high school team to a state championship in 2021. His leadership was widely recognized, with Hughes earning the title of Utah Water Polo Coach of the Year on five occasions (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022×2).
Hughes’ influence also extended to the Olympic Development Program (ODP), where he served as a coach for the Mountain Zone Youth Boys Team. His expertise in identifying and nurturing talent led to his recognition as the Top Coach at the ODP Boys National Championship in 2022. Additionally, Hughes was selected as an Assistant Coach for the USA Water Polo Youth National Team Futures Trip in Budapest, Hungary, further solidifying his reputation as a coaching standout.
A native of Chicago, Ill., Hughes started his collegiate career at the University of Illinois-Chicago prior to attending the University of Utah starting in 2017. At Utah, he joined the club team and was the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) National Collegiate Club Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Men’s Collegiate Club National Player of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.
A three-time National Collegiate Club All-America selection (First Team: 2018, 2019; 2017: Second Team) and Rocky Mountain Division Most Valuable Player (2017, 2018, 2019), he led the Utes to Fourth Place at the National Collegiate Club Championship hosted by the University of Pittsburgh in 2019 to claim tournament Most Valuable Player honors a season after also claiming MVP accolades for helping Utah claim Second Place at the 2018 National Collegiate Club Championship held at the University of Arizona.
During his time at Utah, the Utes claimed back-to-back Rocky Mountain Division Championships in 2018 and 2019 to accompany three consecutive division All-Conference First Team nods.
“Before anything, I would like to thank Ryan Kane and the hiring committee for the opportunity to become a member of the Firebirds’ family,” noted Hughes.
“I am beyond excited to be a part of the community and culture here at Carthage College. The mix of outstanding academics, competitive athletics, and a beautiful campus put us in a great position to be successful and I cannot wait to get to work on building the water polo program alongside the student-athletes and support staff on our team.”
Information courtesy Carthage College Athletics Communications
2018 Men’s National Collegiate Club Championship Most Valuable Player Seth Hughes & former University of Utah coach Tom Taylor
Seth Hughes prepares to shoot at 2019 Men’s National Collegiate Championship
2019 Men’s National Collegiate Club Championship Most Valuable Player Seth Hughes
