David and Courtney Hughes first crossed paths in 2004 on their very first day at Chowan University in North Carolina. Like many student-athletes arriving early on campus, their meeting marked the beginning of both a collegiate journey and a life partnership that would take them around the globe.

David, originally from Virginia Beach, came to Chowan to play baseball. He majored in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching, and by his senior year, he had earned NCCAA All-American and Region honors. After graduation, he worked as a personal trainer until 2011, when he made a pivotal career change by joining the U.S. Navy as a Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC).

While much of David’s work remains classified, open-source information paints a picture of a highly demanding and specialized role. SWCC sailors are trained at the Naval Base in Coronado, where they master boating, weapons tactics, and clandestine infiltration and exfiltration techniques in support of SEALs and other special operations forces. Today, David serves as a Chief Warrant Officer—a position held by highly skilled technical experts responsible for directing complex operations around the world.

Yet, for David, his years at Chowan still echo in his military career. He often recalls Coach Aaron Carroll’s intense baseball “boot camps” during pre-season practices. That foundational toughness continues to serve him well today.

Courtney, a native of Gates County, North Carolina, came to Chowan as a cross-country runner and graduated with honors as a History major. Though her love for history didn’t immediately translate into a career, she found purpose in an unexpected field. “One of my history professors, Dr. Krapauskas, used to joke that if all else fails, go into finance,” Courtney laughs. “And that’s exactly what I did.” She is particularly grateful to Dr. Greg Taylor, her advisor and history professor. “He literally transformed learning for me and paved the way for many milestones.”

Today, Courtney works remotely in the finance sector, building spreadsheets and performing profit-loss analyses for mortgage companies. While her work may seem far from her historical roots, it gives her the flexibility to pursue her passions for travel and reading. As a military spouse, she has lived in some exciting locations and frequently visits family back home in North Carolina. Currently, the Hughes are stationed in San Diego.

While David’s military role may draw attention, Courtney has carved out her own path of adventure and endurance. She has evolved from a collegiate cross-country runner to an ultra-athlete, competing in ultramarathons (ranging from 26 to over 100 miles) and Ironman Triathlons (which combine a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run). Her athletic achievements have taken her across the U.S., as well as to Guam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Most recently, she completed the Ironman 70.3 North Carolina. “Vacations usually involve some type of race,” she says.

Beyond their individual careers and athletic pursuits, David and Courtney are deeply committed to serving the military community and the environment. Courtney volunteers with Saddles in Service, a nonprofit dedicated to helping active-duty and retired military personnel struggling with PTSD through equine therapy. The couple also owns a horse, further fueling Courtney’s passion for the program.

Service is a constant thread in the Hughes’ lives. Wherever they are stationed, they seek opportunities to give back—whether it’s cleaning beaches, participating in underwater trash dives, or volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. “We try to find ways to contribute wherever we go,” Courtney says. “We’re incredibly fortunate, and giving back is part of how we stay grounded.”

From the baseball fields of Chowan University to special operations missions and endurance races across continents, David and Courtney Hughes continue to live a life defined by service, resilience, and adventure.