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With The Coach:
It doesn't get better than coaching your idol's kids
John Meagher
The Gazette
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Hughes practices as Courtney Muller watches. (JOHN MORSTAD/The Gazette)
With the Coach is a weekly series featuring a conversation with
a local coach.
Coach: Shawn Hughes, a 34-year-old Pierrefonds resident and assistant director of commercial contracts with International Telecom
Team: John Abbott College women’s volleyball team
Playing experience: Beach volleyball tour, CEGEP and high school
Year coached: Three at Abbott, last two as head coach
Best coaching tip: Never quit.
Shawn Hughes excelled at volleyball while growing up in Pierrefonds and Dollard. He also idolized the Montreal Canadiens. His favourite player was Kirk Muller, the former Habs captain who is now the team’s assistant coach.
So imagine his surprise when he discovered two rookies on his John Abbott volleyball team were Captain Kirk’s twin daughters: Brittney and Courtney Muller.
Were you a bit in awe meeting Kirk Muller?
Hughes: I haven’t met him yet, but I’ve spoken to him on the phone. I didn’t realize it was him at first because he was calling about his daughters trying out for the team. He said, “It’s Kirk Muller of the Canadiens calling.” I thought he said Kirk Miller. Then I realized who it was and I said, “Oh man, you’re, like, my favourite player.” It was pretty funny.
Thought of having Captain Kirk give a motivational speech to your team?
Hughes: I would love to, but I figure he gets asked that all the time. He’s so busy now with the start of the NHL season. I wouldn’t want to impose. I figure if he wants to do it, he’s more than welcome to.
Do you have his autograph?
Hughes: I had it when I was younger. But, unfortunately, I lost it. I’ll get it again someday. He was my favourite player, but that’s not why his daughters are on my team (laughing).
Did you play hockey?
Hughes: Hockey was too expensive. I just couldn’t afford it when I was younger, so I played volleyball instead. I played on the Beach Tour, and before that at Vanier College. I had to stop playing in Grade 11 at John Rennie High because I had a spleen enlargement. I also played at École St. Georges in Grades 7-8-9.
Do the Muller twins have their father’s athletic ability/leadership qualities?
Hughes: They do. They’re both very good players. Their skill level is quite good and as rookies they’ve played more than expected and they’ve carried themselves very well.
Best part of coaching CEGEP women’s volleyball?
Hughes: Some women tend to quit playing sports at this age. If they’re still playing, it’s because they really love the sport. Girls love the game so much it makes you love coaching them that much more.
What message do you want them to embrace?
Hughes: Talent comes and goes, but hard work never goes away. You can always increase your level of play with hard work, which is why Kirk Muller was always one of my favourite players!