Tessa Hughes ’26 on Record-breaking Spree
The first feat came in December when Hughes conquered the Peddie 45-meter hurdles at 7.18, breaking the previous record set by Melanie Nicholas ’04 in 2004 at 7.44.
Next, at the Bishop Loughlin Games in Staten Island, Hughes broke the 55-meter hurdle school record with a time of 8.53, surpassing the previous record set by Gabby Moise ’10.
Hughes extended her streak of record-breaking performances, achieving a time of 42.77 in the 300-meter run and surpassing the previous Peddie record set by Ruby Avila ’17. Additionally, in February, Hughes set a new record in the girls’ 400-meter run at the MAPL Indoor Track & Field Championships, clocking in at 59.15 and surpassing the previous record set by Veronica McRipley ’00 in 2000.
Reflecting on breaking four school records in a single season, Hughes said, “I’ve grown a lot in general, getting stronger and having a stronger mindset of what I want to do with running and everything in general.”
Head Coach Tim Brennan, impressed by Hughes’ ability to perform consistently well under pressure, remarked, “It is rare that such talent prevails at a young age.”