2009 Boys Volleyball Player of the Year: Connor Hughes

A glance at the lanky, 6-foot-7 frame suggests he can provide a powerful arm swing, solid block and rocket jump serve.

It doesn't appear, though, that the body is fit for much else on a volleyball court, certainly not for passing the ball or getting horizontal for digs.

It's not the only way the Mater Dei senior Connor Hughes deceives. The golden curls, infectious smile and laid-back attitude shield a competitive nature that, together with all of his skills, made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.

"It's a rare package, no question," UC Irvine coach John Speraw said of Hughes' all-around game. "He's physically gifted. He's tall, got a good arm. He's got an even head for the game and a great work ethic."

Hughes received a phone call from Speraw in the fall. Hughes had been undecided about his college plans, but he soon realized that UCI and its program, which won the NCAA title last month, was a good fit for him.

With that decision out of the way, Hughes could focus on his goals for his final high school season. One included helping the Monarchs capture the school's first ever CIF-SS boys volleyball championship.

He came close, as the No. 11 Monarchs fell to top-seeded Loyola, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22, in the Division I championship match on May 30 at Cypress College. Hughes recorded 80 kills in five postseason matches.

For his performance throughout the season and in the playoffs, Hughes was selected the Orange County Register's 2009 boys volleyball player of the year.

"(Mater Dei coach Jimmy Munoz) told me right after the CIF final," Hughes said of the honor. "I was kind of out of it. The next day I woke up and I was super stoked."

The Monarchs experienced a similar sensation this season. They lost their final league game to Orange Lutheran then awoke for the playoffs. They upset three consecutive teams to reach the final.

Munoz, who first coached Hughes in club volleyball five years ago, said he watched his senior captain elevate his game to new heights during the postseason run.

"He's one of the best players in the nation, if not the best," Munoz said. "You wouldn't realize it. He is down to earth. When it was time to turn it on, he brought the team up to his level. We didn't see until playoffs, but once it was do-or-die he turned it up 10 notches.

"He controlled our back row. He's our best passer. He's our best blocker. Dude's a stud."

Hughes came to Mater Dei as a 6-foot-3 freshman. He credits "always being tall, but not super tall," with developing his volleyball skills. It allowed him to play the whole court and not get pinned down as a middle blocker.

"He's a freak," said Monarchs setter Chris Trefzger, who also plays on the same club team as Hughes. "I think people also underestimate his defense. They think this huge guy can't move."

Speraw said Hughes has All-American potential and could play in the Olympics if he continues to work and develop his talent.

The Anteaters coach compared Hughes to the outside hitter, Taylor Wilson (Capistrano Valley High), on UCI's championship team. Wilson, who is the same height as Connor, was second on the Anteaters in kills.

"I think Connor is a little more athletic and hits a little harder," Speraw said. "He has the potential to excel."

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregister.com