Brittany Hughes Named 'Player of the Year' For Second Time
   By Randy Hogan--Staff Writer - The Monahans News, December 23, 2005

Brittany Hughes has been selected as the Small School Player of the Year, (Class 1A, 2A, 3A) for the second consecutive season by LoneStarVolleyball.Com.  The selection was based entirely on Hughes performance during the 2005 season, where she excelled against 4A and 5A competition the largest part of the season.

"Brittany has worked so hard, and it's really a big accomplishment for her to continue to be recognized," Coach Patty Dominguez said.  "It also says a lot for the girls that played with her as well."

Upon release of the award, LoneStarVolleyball.Com stated, "We went back and forth on this selection, but ultimately there was no more dominating player among the small schools than Brittany Hughes.

Whether warming up or in a match, Brittany is one of those players who captures the attention of everyone in the building."

Other finalists for the award included Katlin Inglish, the Class 3A All Tournament MVP from Bellville and Kelsea Lovless of the TAPPS State Champion Lubbock Trinity Christian Lions.

In the Class 3A State semi-final against Luling, Hughes turned in one of the most dominating performances of all time, pounding out 28 kills in straight sets to sweep the Lady Hawks out of the playoffs.

Hughes led the Lady Loboes to four consecutive State Tournament appearances while at Monahans High School.

"I'm one who believes that in a team sport like volleyball, you can't win with one person," Alpine volleyball coach Rick Keith said after watching Hughes play earlier this season.  "Brittany Hughes proved me wrong.  She's the best volleyball player I've seen in high school."

In addition to the 2005 Small School Player of the Year award, LoneStarVolleyball.Com also named Hughes as an Outstanding Hitter - Honorable Mention selection.

The Texas Sports Writers Association voted Hughes to the TSWA Class 3A All-State team as a first team Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter this week.

Earlier this month, Hughes was selected to the TGCA West All-Star volleyball team, a first team Class 3A All-State selection, as well as Academic All-State.

She was named to the Class 3A State All-Tournament team, and selected as the San Angelo Standard-Times All-West Texas MVP.

In addition, she was named as the first-ever Region I-3A MVP at the Region tournament in Lubbock, and awarded the District 3-3A MVP award for the third consecutive year by the district coaches.

Hughes finished her career at Monahans ranked first in U.S. high school volleyball history for kills (2,678) and kills per match (17.6 in 2004), 10th in kills in a season (808 in 2004) and eighth in career blocks (516).

Hughes has verbally committed to Texas Tech University, but has scheduled a visit to Central Arkansas. 

Keyed by Logan Summers, Junior