Andrew Knight, a senior business management major from Princeton, Ky. is a member of the men’s golf team.
Knight has played golf for 11 years and chose to come to Union because he wanted to go to a small Christian school with a good golf team, where he could make an impact right away.
As a freshman, Knight played in eight tournaments and was named TranSouth Athlete of the Week twice. In 2012 and 2013 he was named to the Gulf South Conference Academic Honor Roll.
“I love the challenge of playing golf. Every course we play at is different so you never really know what you are going to get. Even the days between the course can change; the first day could be 70 and sunny and the next could be 50 and rainy and you have to play the course completely different.
“Once you step on the first tee, anything can happen and it forces you to be creative with your game and think on your feet,” Knight said.
Goals for Knight this year include winning a tournament as an individual and placing in the conference as a team.
Knight’s favorite professional athlete is pro golfer, Matt Kuchar.
“[Kuchar] incorporates all the great qualities that seem to be hard to find in pro athletes these days. He is humble, gives back, interacts with fans, and puts his family first; all while being one of the top players in the world,” said Knight.
When he is not playing golf, Knight enjoys spending time at the lake kayaking or fishing and hanging out with his teammates. Knight is also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Savannah Hughes, a senior exercise science major from Jonesboro, Ark. is an outside hitter for the women’s volleyball team.
Hughes has been playing volleyball for 11 years.
Hughes’ love for the game stems from a desire to always get better.
“I know I can always do something to improve when it comes to volleyball. For the past 11 years I have always been trying to get better. For me, it is the best feeling in the world when I have been working on a skill and I finally get it down,” said Hughes.
Off the court, Hughes enjoys working with animals, as she works at a veterinary clinic in her hometown during the summer and winter breaks.
Hughes likes to participate in 3D archery shooting tournaments, is a member of Sigma Delta and participates in weekly Bible studies led by Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, Jonathan Allen.
Hughes has gained some coaching experience during her time as a volleyball player, as she was the head middle school coach for Trinity Christian Academy this past year. She has also coached for the Northeast Arkansas Christian Home Educators team in Jonesboro.
As a freshman, Hughes was named the TranSouth Freshman of the Year and to the first team all-conference. In 2012 and 2013, Hughes was named to the GSC Academic Honor Roll, and in 2013 she received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award and was named a NCCAA Fall Scholar Athlete.
“My entire freshman year has probably been my favorite memory at Union. Everything was so new and exciting, and I loved immediately having a group of girls I could go to and be friends with when I first got here,” said Hughes.
“I have also loved having a group of girls each year that I know I can talk to about anything. These girls are basically my family when I am away from home,” Hughes added.
