Muskingum University graduate and coach of the 2018 WNBA champion Seattle Storm Dan Hughes was named to the 2020 USA Women’s Basketball National Team Olympic coaching staff.

Hughes has held many positions within the world of basketball since his days at Muskingum University including committee member on the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Player Selection Committee from 2009 to 2016, assistant coach for the 2018 USA Basketball Women’s National Team — that team won a gold medal at the FIBA Women’s World Cup and qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games — and head coach for the 2009 and 2018 WNBA All-Star Games.

Among his many positions, Hughes has also been honored as the WNBA Coach of the Year accolades in both 2001 and 2007. He is also the all-time leader in games coached with 558 and his 263 wins stack up third overall in career victories for the WNBA.

In addition to Hughes’ successes, some of his players have followed in his footsteps. Throughout his career in the WNBA, Hughes has produced 17 All-Star selections, six All-Rookie Team honorees, four All-WNBA First Team selections, seven Second Team products and a group of four All-Defensive Team honorees.

During his career with the WNBA, Hughes has served as the head coach and general manager for San Antonio from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2016 as he led the team to six postseason appearances. From 2000 to 2003, Hughes coached the Cleveland Rockets.

Before Hughes began his career in the WNBA, he served as the assistant coach for the University of Toledo’s men’s basketball coach from 1991 to 1996 before coaching the women’s basketball program from 1996 to 1997. While coaching the women’s team, Hughes led the team to a win in the Mid-American Conference.

Prior to Toledo, Hughes serves as an assistant coach for the University of Mount Union men’s basketball team from 1982 to 1984 and again from 1985 to 1991, as well as Baldwin-Wallace University from 1984 to 1985.

As a two-sport athlete for Muskingum University, Hughes played basketball and baseball. He was a two-time basketball letter winner and won two OAC championships in 1973 and 1974. While Hughes only played basketball at Muskingum for two years, he serves as a student assistant coach for his remaining time at the University. He was also a three-year baseball letter winner and was the OAC stolen base leader during the 1975 season.

Hughes earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and history from Muskingum before earning his master’s degree in education from Miami University. He served as a graduate assistant at Miami and assisted the coaching staff in leading the Redhawks to a MAC Championship.

He is also a member of the Muskingum University Athletics Hall of Fame.

“Dan Hughes has had a powerful impact on others throughout his illustrious career as a coach, educator, and mentor, and his selection to represent our country on the Olympic coaching staff for the USA Women’s Basketball National Team is a well-deserved addition to his long list of accolades,” Muskingum University President Susan Hasseler said in a media release. “Coach Hughes exemplifies the difference a Muskingum University alumnus can make in the world, and he is an inspiration for our student-athletes, educators and for all Muskies.”