Hughes returns to Kalamazoo for her fourth season as athletic trainer. The native of Sandusky, Ohio, received her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Education degree from the University of Cincinnati. Elizabeth also received her Master of Arts in Physical Education from Minnesota State University (Mankato, Minnesota).

In her career, Hughes has been on the training staff of the Greensboro Generals (ECHL) and Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL). Before coming to Kalamazoo, Hughes was the graduate assistant athletic trainer for Minnesota State's Women's Ice Hockey and Soccer teams.