Washington and Lee Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn has announced the appointment of Chris McHugh ’09 as head men’s basketball coach and associate professor of physical education effective August 9.
“I am thrilled to welcome Chris back to campus to become our next head coach of men’s basketball,” said Hathorn. “The applicant pool was deep and talented, and in every step of the process, Chris rose to the top.”
“Chris has demonstrated the highest ideals of character, sportsmanship, and competitive success throughout the course of his playing and coaching career,” added Hathorn. “As a loyal and passionate alum, who ascribes to the success of our students in the classroom and community, as well as on the court, Chris is uniquely positioned to have an immediate and positive impact on the lives of our students. This is an exciting time in the life of the men’s basketball program and Chris is well suited to build upon its rich traditions. We look forward to serving beside Chris for many years to come.”
McHugh has been an assistant coach at Emory University since 2013 and was elevated to associate coach in March of 2017. During his four years with the Eagles, the program registered an 80-31 overall record and made four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2013-2014.
“I am honored and excited to be the next head coach of the men’s basketball program at Washington and Lee,” said McHugh. “I would like to thank Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn, Dean Suzanne Keen, Provost Marc Conner and the search committee for this amazing opportunity to return to my alma mater. None of this would be possible without the faith and love of my family and friends. I would also like to thank all of my W&L teammates for their support and friendship and all of the players I have coached for their loyalty, hard work and sacrifice. I would also like to recognize and thank my coaching mentors, Todd Ervin, Adam Hutchinson, Ryan Kadlubowski, Tom Satran and Jason Zimmerman for their belief and guidance. I am looking forward to our program setting a standard of excellence on campus, in the classroom and on the court.”
McHugh coached eight All-UAA players and two All-Americans in his time at Emory, and the program won at least 19 games each season.
Prior to coaching with the Eagles, McHugh was an assistant coach at Connecticut College during the 2012-13 season and an assistant at Mount Saint Mary College from 2009-2012.
McHugh graduated from Washington and Lee in 2009 with a bachelor of arts in politics. He received a master of sports administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2012.
McHugh was a four-year letterwinner at guard for the Generals men’s basketball program. He played in 101 games with 72 starts, leading the team in assists his junior and senior seasons.
McHugh is still tied for 10th on the W&L career list in three-pointers made and tied for seventh in three-point percentage. The Generals win total increased all four years McHugh was on the team, and the team advanced to the ODAC Championship game his senior season for the first time since 1989.
http://www.generalssports.com/sports/mbkb/2017-18/releases/McHugh
