William Smith College sophomore Rachel Hughes was one of just five sophomores out of 48 student-athletes to be named an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division III All-American. Hughes garnered a spot on the third team, becoming the first Heron lacrosse All-American since Sarah Dillon '07 in 2007.

An All-Empire Region and All-Liberty League first team selection, Hughes started all 17 games and led the Herons in three statistical categories. She recorded team-highs of 56 ground balls, 31 caused turnovers and 41 draw controls. Hughes also contributed offensively scoring four goal    s and chipping in three assists for seven points.

She scooped up four or more ground balls in seven different games, picking up at least one in every contest. Hughes caused at least two turnovers in all but five games. Hughes picked up a season-high eight ground balls, forced two turnovers and won a draw against then No. 13 Hamilton. She forced a season-high five caused turnovers and added seven ground balls and three draws against Rochester. The five caused turnovers matched a William Smith game record. Hughes came away with five draws, caused two turnovers and picked up a ground ball in a win over Nazareth. She registered a goal and an assist against Rochester, RIT and Vassar and added a goal in an upset of then No. 16 RPI.

Hughes finished the regular season ranked third in the Liberty League averaging 3.29 ground balls per game. She also ranked third in the conference with 1.82 caused turnovers per game. Hughes has played in 34 career games. She has posted four goals and five assists for nine points as well as 96 ground balls, 53 draws and 49 caused turnovers. Hughes ranks 16th on the all-time William Smith list for caused turnovers. On the Heron single season lists, she ranks sixth in the caused turnovers, seventh in draws and tied for 15th in ground balls.

The Herons finished the season with a 10-7 overall record and a 7-2 mark in Liberty League play. William Smith earned a berth in the Liberty League tournament for the second year in a row.