The man who hit and killed Cory Hubbard, in black shirt third from left, in a hit and run plead guilty Nov. 20

Cory Hubbard, 22, was a skilled lacrosse goalie and a friend to many, always striving to live in the moment.

“It’s just how he was,” said Nick Nuzzi, a friend, former teammate and roommate of Hubbard as well as a 2013 university alumnus. “He was never upset. He had such a positive outlook on life. He was all about living in the present and living life to the fullest in every way possible.”

After returning from a semester abroad in Australia, the Westhampton Beach, N.Y., native intended to return to the club lacrosse team and finish his senior year with a degree in kinesiology. But he wouldn’t get the chance — Hubbard was struck by a car while crossing Route 1 at about 1:30 a.m. Friday, according to previous reports.

Prince George’s County Police described the accident as a hit-and-run. The driver did not remain on the scene after striking Hubbard, though he later turned himself in, according to police reports. Officials have not yet formally charged the driver or released his name.

Friends and teammates of Hubbard say he was a reliable and happy-go-lucky person both on and off the field.

“Goalies need to be leaders and he was definitely good at that,” said former teammate and senior biochemistry major Alex Guseman. “He was the kind of guy that brought everyone who was around him up. If you were playing poorly, he would tell you, ‘Don’t worry about it, you’ll get the next one.’”

Teammates said Hubbard was a natural leader on the field, with his talent, upbeat attitude and confident voice steering the defense.

Lacrosse wasn’t Hubbard’s only passion, though. He also enjoyed wrestling, snowboarding and surfing, which made Australia a fitting place for him to travel.

“That was his atmosphere: sunny weather, surrounded by beaches, never without his surfboards,” Nuzzi said. “He loved his time there. He kept saying how he was having the best time of his life.“

Hubbard’s friends said he worked to ensure that those around him shared his same sunny outlook. During his two years of living with Hubbard, Nuzzi recalls Hubbard was a peacemaker. If any conflicts arose between the four roommates, Hubbard would say or do something to make the boys laugh and ease the tension. The four became very close friends, and Nuzzi attributes most of that to Hubbard.

Funeral services will begin Monday, with visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Follett & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach, according to the Newsday. There will also be visitation hours from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, and a service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Westhampton Presbyterian Church.

Hubbard’s survivors include his mother, father and older brother. He will be remembered by his friends and teammates.

“He was liked by everyone who met him and I’m not just saying that,” Nuzzi said. “In all the years I’ve known him, I don’t think there was a single person who didn’t like him. He had an impact on everyone he met and the impact he had on my life is immeasurable.”