Olympic gold medalist Jack Hughes inspires students to perform under pressure
- Kitty Lubben
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Flying down the ice at 20 mph, blood dripping from his mouth with a broken tooth, Olympian Jack Hughes sees the puck shoot from the blade of his teammate's hockey stick. In less than a second, the small black disc is in his possession and Hughes knows he only has one shot. His hands grasp the neck of his stick and swiftly launch the puck towards the goal with every ounce of energy he has left. The puck glides past two defenders and then through the goalie’s legs. The crowd erupts. America has won gold.
Team USA brought home the gold for hockey in the Winter Olympics of 2026 in Milan. Feb. 22, team USA beat Canada 2-1 in overtime. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal with 1 minute and 41 seconds left, making history as the USA men's hockey’s first Olympic gold medal since 1980.
“It was so cool to watch the intensity both teams had while fighting hard for their dreams,” senior captain of the varsity girls soccer team Clara Turner said.
Even though TKA student-athletes may never face Olympic level pressure, they experience the same intensity and emotions in close games. TKA senior athletes have had many “Jack Hughes” moments during their time playing Varsity sports that have shaped their high school careers.
“Executing in a tight game feels incredible, like a mix of adrenaline, excitement and pride, especially when your team is right there celebrating with you,” Turner said.
Turner shares her most memorable and thrilling moment in her high school soccer career shaping how she acts under pressure.
“My team was down 1-2 late in a game against Creekview. We needed to score fast to tie the game. Without overthinking, I ran to get position and receive the ball, as my teammate who was dribbling up the field, made a perfect pass across the goal. I hit the corner kick to tie the game and got my first goal of the season,” Turner said.
It takes immense practice and a clear mind to execute difficult plays under pressure. Jack Hughes learned this at a young age, turning 18 only days before signing with the National Hockey League. His ability to think fast under pressure, a trait most varsity athletes strive for, propelled him to prominence early in his career. Like Hughes, senior boys soccer athlete Sami Santander has learned the importance of staying mentally and physically in control under stress.
“During tight game situations, I have to focus on clearing my mind. All I thought about was the task at hand. It sounds simple, but I really only thought, ‘put the ball in the net.’ My confidence in my ability allowed me to not worry or think about anything else,” Santander said.
After the Olympic victory, Hughes redirected his praise for the winning goal to his teammates, highlighting the importance of the whole team and how they worked together to win the gold according to ESPN.
“I focus on my role but also know that when I mess up I have great teammates who will fix my mistakes or encourage me for next time,” Turner said.
When every player works together throughout the game, teams in the Olympics or in high school can push through tough challenges and achieve their goals.
“When scoring during winning or losing scenarios, it honestly is a huge relief, like a weight off your shoulders,” Santander said. “If I had been Jack Hughes in his situation, I would be second guessing everything.”
Even Hughes, who scored the “golden goal” to beat Canada, cannot rewatch the play without getting nervous, according to ESPN. Even now, the moment feels unreal to him. Athletes at every level, from professionals to high school players, not only all feel the pressure of high-stake moments but also the thrill that comes with executing them.
“I’ll certainly never forget the end of that game,” Santander said. “running out and hugging our [goal] keeper while cheering and laughing that it was all over, and we had the victory.”
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