Hughes opened her collegiate career in her sophomore year, competing floor at home against URI. She competed in four meets, scoring a career high 9.025 at the ECAC Championships hosted by Cornell.

Hughes joined the Bulldogs from Central New York Gymnastics. She was a Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals and Region VI Championships qualifier. At State, she placed 3rd on beam and 5th in the all-around. She graduated as valedictorian from Southern Cayuga High School and was a National Merit Finalist.