Hutchison delivered leadership

STEVE VIRGEN

The high school girls water polo season has come and gone but there

was one story that was left untold.

It’s the one about Hayden Hutchison, a senior at Sage Hill School.

She is known as the most notable player in the Lightning program’s

young history and she set a standard for other Sage Hill players to

follow.

For starters, she was a great leader for what took place in and

out of the water. In the classroom, Hayden also stood out.

She is planning to continue her academics at, most likely, an Ivy

League school, but is still deciding. She also plans to play college

water polo.

This is the story of what most people know about Hayden. But for

others who may not be aware, she was willing to share more.

There’s more to Hayden than grades and water polo. She had to

endure a loss that changed her life.

When Hayden was a freshman, her father died of melanoma. Her Dad,

Robert, was 48.

“I was very close to my Dad and it was extremely difficult when he

passed away,” Hayden said. “I was with him when he was sick for a

year and a half. It was so hard. It’s hard to explain in words. It

was definitely a big challenge for my family.”

Robert used to come and watch Hayden play water polo. He used to

cheer for her. When he died, a huge hole was left in Hayden’s life.

It will never be replaced. But that doesn’t mean she couldn’t add

new experiences to her life. Hayden maintained her altruism,

volunteering at Hoag Hospital and with other various charity

organizations. She has received several awards for her service.

In her time of need, though, her mother, Terry, and twin brother

and sister, Tommy and Sarah, were there for her. Also, her coach at

the time, Genai Kerr, was there for her. The two became close and

still keep in touch.

Kerr, the former UC Irvine goalie, had to stop coaching at Sage

Hill because of his schedule as a player with the U.S. men’s national

team.

This season, all of Hayden’s accolades and achievements proved to

be a great example for her teammates. Sage Hill did not have a great

season, finishing 7-14. They were a team in transition and Hayden did

her best to fulfill a leadership role.

“I was disappointed in the record, but I think we looked past

winning and losing and it was more about how we played,” Hayden said.

“Having the new girls play the sport and play as a team, that’s what

it was all about.”

Hayden’s senior season was not much of a swan song. Early on, she

had mononucleosis. She was sluggish, but she overcame the sickness

and carried on.

When the season was over, she cheered on her younger sister,

Sarah, who plays at Corona del Mar High. Sarah was called up to the

varsity for the CIF Southern Section playoffs and Hayden looked on as

the Sea Kings won the Division II championship.

She could have gone and played for Corona del Mar, but said she

enjoyed Sage Hill and wanted to stay and help the program.

“I’m happy that I went to Sage Hill for four years,” Hayden said.

“It was great to be there. When my dad passed away, they understood

and supported me. I felt I got a good education there. I’m glad I

went to Sage Hill.

“I was happy with the season,” she continued. “It was a good

experience. My whole time at Sage Hill was great. I haven’t totally

realized that I won’t be playing there anymore. I will definitely

miss it.”