Freshman Mia Hughes goes up strong against Carroll College in the Bobcats' season-opener.
Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Bobcat Freshman Continues MSU Student-Athletes’ Commitment to Excellence
12/8/2021 5:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Montana State women’s basketball player Mia Hughes hasn’t finished her first semester on the Bozeman campus, but her impact on the court, in the classroom and within the community has already set the bar for what it takes to be a Bobcat student-athlete.
Montana State women's basketball player Mia Hughes hasn't finished her first semester on the Bozeman campus, but her impact on the court, in the classroom and within the community has already set the bar for what it takes to be a Bobcat student-athlete.
Hughes, a 5-10 freshman forward, was recently honored for her work for outstanding community service at the Cat-Griz football game on Nov. 19 in Missoula by Montana Campus Compact.
During October, Hughes, a business and English major, started a campaign to raise funds for the Human Resource Development Council's Bozeman Warming Center for items needed during the winter months. For her efforts, Hughes was able to drop off over $1000 to HRDC prior to the Thanksgiving break.
"Mia is such a light toward others," said Ellen Kreighbaum Women's Head Basketball Coach Tricia Binford. "I can't say enough about Mia's heart and her desire to help others in need. Her example of generosity and selflessness is an example to all of us as she has impacted our program and community on and off the court."
Hughes' volunteerism started before she arrived in Bozeman. In 2020, Hughes, then a senior at Woodinville High School in Washington, used her own weekly paycheck to create care packages for homeless individuals as well as full Thanksgiving meals for families who could not afford dinner.
"In 2020, we were all struggling in one way or another with the pandemic and I realized that these were the moments we needed to support each other the most," Hughes said. "I took the money I made from working and made care packages for homeless individuals. After personally handing out some of the packages, I was able to donate the rest to The Salvation Army's Eastside Community Center.
"This experience opened my eyes to how much something so little can mean to someone, especially in time of struggle," she added.
For 29 years, Montana Campus Compact and its affiliate campuses has supported students, faculty and communities across Montana with programs that encourage and recognize community service. MTCC and the State of Montana are proud to honor student-athletes whose extensive volunteer efforts have been of great benefit to their communities.
The MTCC Board, Governor Greg Gianforte and Commissioner of Higher Education – CEO Montana University System Clayton Christian presented Hughes, one of 12 student-athletes from each of Montana's universities and community colleges- with the Montana Athletes in Service Award.
Hughes, a 5-10 freshman forward, was recently honored for her work for outstanding community service at the Cat-Griz football game on Nov. 19 in Missoula by Montana Campus Compact.
During October, Hughes, a business and English major, started a campaign to raise funds for the Human Resource Development Council's Bozeman Warming Center for items needed during the winter months. For her efforts, Hughes was able to drop off over $1000 to HRDC prior to the Thanksgiving break.
"Mia is such a light toward others," said Ellen Kreighbaum Women's Head Basketball Coach Tricia Binford. "I can't say enough about Mia's heart and her desire to help others in need. Her example of generosity and selflessness is an example to all of us as she has impacted our program and community on and off the court."
Hughes' volunteerism started before she arrived in Bozeman. In 2020, Hughes, then a senior at Woodinville High School in Washington, used her own weekly paycheck to create care packages for homeless individuals as well as full Thanksgiving meals for families who could not afford dinner.
"In 2020, we were all struggling in one way or another with the pandemic and I realized that these were the moments we needed to support each other the most," Hughes said. "I took the money I made from working and made care packages for homeless individuals. After personally handing out some of the packages, I was able to donate the rest to The Salvation Army's Eastside Community Center.
"This experience opened my eyes to how much something so little can mean to someone, especially in time of struggle," she added.
For 29 years, Montana Campus Compact and its affiliate campuses has supported students, faculty and communities across Montana with programs that encourage and recognize community service. MTCC and the State of Montana are proud to honor student-athletes whose extensive volunteer efforts have been of great benefit to their communities.
The MTCC Board, Governor Greg Gianforte and Commissioner of Higher Education – CEO Montana University System Clayton Christian presented Hughes, one of 12 student-athletes from each of Montana's universities and community colleges- with the Montana Athletes in Service Award.
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