The Vandalia Leader

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Athlete of the Week

Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 9:33 pm

Kaelyn Hutcheson, Senior

Kaelyn is the daughter of Todd and Andrea Hutcheon and is currently a senior at Van-Far High School. Per her mom, Kaelyn has loved the game of softball since she started playing Khoury League at 4-years old. Through the years it has helped give her self-confidence, taught her leadership skills, teamwork, responsibility, and has helped her build strength both mentally and physically. Through softball she has made lifelong friends.

On the field, Kaelyn’s favorite thing to do is hit. She loves it! So much so, that she constantly works hard to try to perfect her swing as much as she can. She has spent many hours hitting into the net in her backyard, practicing with family and friends, and training with her hitting coach Natalie Fleming, who she highly recommends! Kaelyn as taken on the crucial role of designated hitter (DH) for her team, Van-Far’s Lady Indians, showcasing her exceptional batting skills. Kaelyn’s journey with the Lady Indians began in her freshman year. Over the years, her dedication to the sport and relentless practice paid off, earning her the position of DH. This role is pivotal in softball, as the designated hitter is responsible for batting in place of the pitcher, often providing the team with a strategic advantage. Known for her powerful swings, Kaelyn has become a formidable presence at the plate.

Off the field, Kaelyn’s favorite thing to do is to play bass and guitar. She is pretty much music, music, music all the time! She also enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family, friends and boyfriend, Kyler. Kaelyn maintains a strong academic record and is involved in various extracurricular activities, demonstrating her well-rounded character. As Kaelyn prepares for her final season with the Lady Indians, she reflects on her journey, she saying, she has “enjoyed playing with my teammates the last four years and will miss them greatly. It’s been an honor to be a part of the Van-Far Lady Indians softball program. Through the years I’ve gotten to know so many girls and have grown many relationships with them. Along with my teammates, I have had great coaches throughout my career and finishing out my senior season with Coach Bailey and Coach Wilburn has been the best experience. They’ve made it a family environment where we can have fun but also work hard. We are lucky to have them! With this being my final year, it would be awesome to have a successful rest of the season and win a district championship.”

Kaelyn’s plans after high school are to go to MACC and obtain her LPN through their practical Nursing program, then continue to become an RN through the bridge program. Her hopes are to become a NICU Nurse.