CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard University John D. Nichols '53 Family Director of Athletics Erin McDermott announced today that Elizabeth "Libby" Hughes has been selected as the next David K. Richards '61 Family Head Coach for Radcliffe Lightweight Crew. Hughes, who arrives in Cambridge from nearby Boston University, becomes the program's 20^th head coach since 1978.
 
Over the last five years, Hughes served as an assistant coach at BU with the lightweight rowing team and contributing to all facets of the program; covering coaching, recruiting and operations.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Libby and excited to hire a coach with extensive lightweight experience and proven results," McDermott said. "Libby is a rising star who is ready to lead a highly competitive team on and off the water. We look forward to witnessing her impact on the Weld Boathouse community and Radcliffe tradition."
 
A coaching veteran of 12 years, Hughes competed collegiately at Hobart and William Smith Colleges before entering the coaching ranks immediately with a brief stint at Radnor Girls Crew Club in Philadelphia. She soon returned to her alma mater as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator of the William Smith College rowing team, where she worked with the Herons from 2015 through 2020. Hughes coached the novice eight to back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 and Liberty League Conference Novice Crew of the Year honors in 2015 and 2017.
 
Hughes, who has had stints coaching at Sparks Rowing Camp and Community Rowing Inc. in Boston, began at BU in the summer of 2021 and was on staff as an assistant with the Terriers through the 2026 season. This past season, BU earned gold medals in the 2xA, 2xB and silver in the V4+ and 2V4+ at Women's Sprints. The Terriers have also been successful on the national level, with Hughes coaching the 4+ to a silver medal this past season, and the 2x to three straight gold medals at the 2024, 2025, & 2026 IRA National Championship Regatta, a first for any program in women's IRA history.
 
"First and foremost, I'd like to thank Erin McDermott and Andrea Lapointe for such an incredible opportunity," Hughes said. "This program has such a strong legacy, serving as a trailblazer in women's sport and a catalyst for empowerment, showing young athletes how to embody their values and pursue excellence both in the classroom, on the water, and in their personal endeavors. I am humbled by the opportunity to carry on that legacy and continue building upon such a strong foundation of success. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who guided this program before me and am extremely excited to begin working with the team." 
 
As an athlete, Hughes competed twice at the U23 World Trials; finishing third in the 1x in 2013 and second as the stroke seat in the 4x in 2014. Her boat finished third in the W1V8+ at the 2013 NCAA National Championship. Following her junior and senior seasons, Hughes and the Heron varsity eight were voted the Liberty League Crew of the Year.
 
A native of Orient, N.Y., Hughes graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. She later completed her Master of Education in Applied Human Development at BU in 2025.