Sydney Hutchinson was raised in the Chicago area and is a dual US/Canadian citizen, who played youth water polo with Elmhurst Aquatics in Elmhurst, Illinois. Last summer, she coached the U18 Women at the US Water Polo Jr Olympics.
Queen's Women's Water Polo Coach
Dave Hill first met Hutchinson and her family at a recruiting visit during her senior year of high school and he knew instantly she would thrive at Queen's and her role as a leader was already evident.
As a rookie, Hutchinson took in everything as it pertained to our Water Polo programs. She quickly found ways to help her team by stepping up when specific tactical roles or assignments were required.
By second year, she became involved with Club merchandise coordination and was introduced to the Varsity Leadership Council (VLC). In 2019, Syd was part of Queen's Health Outreach and continued a team connection to that initiative.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sydney took an active role as a captain, leading players in outdoor training, off-season program monitoring, and working with coaches and the Men's team leaders to keep spirits high. As team captain, she was committed to going over and above with any club-related needs both in and out of the pool.
As her leadership grew outside the pool, her play in the water exploded. In 2021, Hutchinson was an NCWP All-Star, NCWP East MVP, and the team's leading scorer. Queen's Water Polo programs are peer driven with mentorship being central to the learning. Hutchinson took the time to answer any player questions and is quick to offer tips, mid-drill, to bring everyone onto the same page.
When recruits visit campus, Hutchinson is always involved and participates. She takes time from her schedule to be available to share a student-athlete perspective on any issue. She is an extremely well organized and focused individual with everything she does for Water Polo and Athletics & Recreation (A&R). Her involvement in A&R is certainly not limited to the Water Polo program and Hutchinson has been a key member of the VLC since 2019, and this past year volunteered her time as the VLC President. Her dedication and commitment to the VLC is unparalleled. Hutchinson truly emulates and exemplifies the meaning of a true Student Leader.
As the VLC Co-President, Hutchinson had a tough task to lead the VLC in a year that was so unpredictable. Along with her executive team, she managed to organize and run many initiatives throughout the year with great success. The VLC was even were even recognized by local Member of Parliament Mark Gerretsen in the House of Commons.
She was an organized and professional leader while navigating COVID-19 procedures to ensure initiatives were still able to occur and be supported.
