Hokie Feature: Evan Hughes - Jim Nantz Award Winner

Congratulations to recent graduate Evan Hughes on being selected as the  2021 Jim Nantz Award winner, which recognizes the nation’s most outstanding collegiate radio and TV sports broadcaster!

Since Hughes' arrival on campus in 2017, he's worked diligently to help build the sports and media analytics program while gaining invaluable broadcasting experience. He's served as a play-by-play broadcaster for the ACC Network Extra, the play-by-play broadcaster for the St. Cloud Rox of the Northwoods League, the podcast host for TechSideline.com, and the sports director for 3304 Sports.

Last year, Evan also played a key role in the establishment of esports leagues and tournaments for Rec Sports.

“We’ve talked about as a group finding different ways to get better as broadcasters through the challenging times of the pandemic," said Hughes. "We are grateful to Virginia Tech Rec Sports for giving us the opportunity to broadcast a growing sport around the world.”

"Evan goes out of his way to set up others for success," said Shaakir Janmohammad, recent graduate and esports producer. He led the charge on the initiative with no benefit to him, just to help a few students get their feet in the door and give a new experience to them. he is the epitome of a team player."

Hughes, who graduated from the School of Communication earlier this month, made history by becoming the first All-American (those ranked in the top six) from Virginia Tech when he finished second in 2020. This year, he stitched his name in collegiate broadcasting lore by becoming the university’s first winner in the 13-year history of the award.