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College of the Canyons

Ryan Shepherd and Jerome Hughes Named COC Student-Athletes of the Week

Promotional graphic featuring portraits of College of the Canyons student-athletes Ryan Shepherd and Jerome Hughes on a blue background with yellow text, featuring the college's athletic logos.
May 14, 2024

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons student-athletes Ryan Shepherd (softball) and Jerome Hughes (men's track & field) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's & Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running May 6-11. Shepherd and Hughes are the 20th, and final, set of honorees for the winter/spring 2024 session.

Ryan Shepherd/ Softball

Shepherd achieved school history in 2023-24 by becoming the first dual sport student-athlete to participate in both women's soccer and softball for the Cougars.

Following two successful seasons on the soccer pitch, this spring the sophomore out of Saugus High School completed a stellar season on the diamond, helping Canyons advance to the playoffs for a third straight season.

Splitting time as an infielder/outfielder, Shepherd played in 32 games while batting .304 with 13 RBIs, 28 runs and a team best 24 stolen bases. That performance came on the heels of Shepherd earning All-Western State Conference (WSC), South Division Second Team honors for soccer with 10 goals, including five game winners, and three assists to finish with 23 points.

Last month, Shepherd committed to continue her soccer career with Grand Valley State University, an NCAA Division II program located in Allendale, MI.

Jerome Hughes / Men's Track & Field

Hughes was one of three Cougars to punch their ticket to the 3C2A Track & Field State Championship meet after another successful run in the men's 800m event.

The Valencia High School graduate competed in the finals of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Championships hosed by Cerritos College on May 10. 

The sophomore posted the top result of the day for the Cougars with a third place run in the 800m coming at a time of 1:57.32. The sophomore previously captured the Western State Conference (WSC) Championship in the same event.

Hughes will now have the opportunity to compete for a state title during the 3C2A State Championships hosted by Saddleback College May 17-18.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.