Growing up in a small, rural town in upstate New York, Cori Hughes had limited opportunities and little encouragement to pursue higher education. Today, as head women’s basketball coach at Salve Regina University, she plans to share her journey and knowledge with young athletes in Chelsea through a five-day clinic run by Chelsea Community Schools (CCS) from July 27-31. Her core message remains consistent: pursue your passion and commit fully to it. Hughes first came to Chelsea in 2005 as part of a basketball clinic alongside Boston University’s head coach Kelly Greenberg. “I asked the kids what they enjoyed the most, and they all unanimously agreed on Cori,” notes Bea Cravatta, Director of CCS. This summer marks Hughes’ fifth year of working with Chelsea youth. “I’m always amazed by their excitement, willingness to learn and gratitude,” Hughes states. “The kids are genuinely excited, and I feel respected.” Basketball captured Hughes’ interest early on. At age 12-, while playing in a park, she caught the attention of Madison High School Blue Devils varsity basketball coach, who invited her to try out for the team. “It was very unusual to have an eighth grader playing on the high school varsity team,” Hughes recalls. “People thought I was crazy wanting to be a player at 5′2.” Her passion for the sport drove her to achieve at high levels. “I wanted to get out, see the world,” Hughes remembers. During her high school years, she accumulated over a thousand points and over a thousand assists, leading her school to the state finals in her senior season. Her accomplishments with the Blue Devils included serving as a three-year team captain, earning four all-conference selections, two all-state honors, and winning league MVP. A basketball scholarship brought Hughes to Boston University, where she earned a captain position in her junior year. After graduating in 1992, Hughes transitioned into coaching. She advanced through high school coaching positions before becoming head coach at Daniel Webster College in 2001 and then moving to Salve Regina University in 2007. Hughes describes her coaching philosophy as progressive, emphasizing fundamental skills before building on them. “It’s like building a house,” Hughes explains, “Everyone wants a penthouse overlooking the ocean. But you first need to build a basement, a foundation and stairs.” The CCS clinic accommodates different skill levels with an emphasis on foundational techniques and competitive play. Sessions run Tuesday through Friday from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., beginning July 27. Advance registration is available at the Williams Building (Monday–Friday 4-8 p.m. and Saturday 9-4) or online at www.chelseama.gov/ccs. The cost is $40, payable in cash or money order. For additional details, contact (617) 466-5233 or email [email protected].
College head coach to hold a basketball clinic at CCS
