After 20 years with UPS, University High alum LaQuan Hughes found a new purpose as a teacher and coach, proving it’s never too late to start over.
WACO, Texas — After two decades delivering packages for UPS, LaQuan Hughes decided it was time to deliver something else — purpose.
Hughes, a defensive line coach at University High School, spent roughly 20 years working for UPS before transitioning into education and coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I worked for UPS for about 20 years,” Hughes said. “During COVID, I had an injury and decided it was time to do something different. I wanted to be an educator, got my certifications, and everything just worked out.”
A University High alum, Hughes said returning to his alma mater made the career shift even more meaningful.
“I’m well known in the community, and when the opportunity came, I just went for it,” he said. “I’m blessed, and it’s been great.”
Today, Hughes teaches physical education to elementary students by day and coaches the defensive line for the Trojans by night. The move, he said, has allowed him to align his work schedule with his wife and children — all of whom are part of the Waco ISD community.
“My wife’s an educator, my kids are on the same schedule,” Hughes said. “So being in education was just a better fit for our family. You can’t put a price tag on family.”
The transition from UPS driver to coach may seem like a leap, but Hughes said the skills carried over — particularly his focus on communication and relationships.
“At UPS, I learned the customer is always right,” he said. “Now it’s customer service for kids instead of adults. Those connections make all the difference.”
Many of the players Hughes now mentors are familiar faces — young men he once coached when they were part of the Waco Southern Panthers youth program, including his own son.
“Some of these guys I’ve coached since they were five or six years old,” Hughes said. “I know their parents, their grandparents. It’s one big family.”
That sense of community is what fuels Hughes, who hopes his journey inspires others to chase their dreams — no matter how long it takes.
“Sometimes people think it’s too late to go back to school or start over,” Hughes said. “If I can do it, anybody can. I worked full-time and finished two associate’s, a bachelor’s, and two master’s degrees. Anything is possible.”
The Trojans went on to give Brenham their first loss of the season on Friday night 42-6. University is 4-0 in district play and has a chance to clinch their first out-right district title since 1956 when they take on Ellison next.