Mike Ridaught
The thing that makes Emma Hutto’s senior spotlight so unique is the fact that she’s more than just a senior— literally.
Hutto was a senior at Bell High School during the 2021-22 school year. But, she also graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and earned her CNA license before her high school graduation.
Somehow, she found the time to play two sports for the Bulldogs.
“Emma will definitely be missed at Bell High School,” said her volleyball coach Drue Barry. “She has been a two-sport athlete playing volleyball (setter) and 3rd base on the softball team. She continued our line of outstanding setters at Bell and led us to a lot of big wins.”
Hutto helped lead the volleyball team to three straight district championships, two final fours, and one state championship game appearance, all of which she’s been able to experience with senior teammate Michelle Heilig, who she also played softball with this past season.
“I have had the opportunity to coach these two athletes for the past several years and during that time they both have proven to be hard-working, intelligent, and reliable,” said Bell softball coach Krystal Holley. “They are leaders on our softball team by setting an excellent example to the younger players and being a remarkable teammate. Not only do they excel on the softball field, but they also thrive in the classroom setting.”
During her senior volleyball season, Hutto finished with 108 kills, 268 digs, and she led the team with 589 assists.
“Her awareness on the court was the key to her and the team’s continued success,” Barry noted. “Emma is going into the nursing field and I know she will be just as successful in that as she has been at sports. She will be missed but we are excited to watch her grow in her next chapter.”
This past spring, she batted .338 with 24 hits, 15 runs scored, 22 runs batted in, seven doubles, and one triple for the 14-7 Lady Bulldogs’ softball team.
Hutto’s favorite quote is “Be more athletic” by Coach Drue.
“It’s really touching to the heart,” she said.
In fact, her favorite moment was with Coach Drue.
“When Coach Drue ‘accidentally’ punted the volleyball at a game when we lost a point,” Hutto said. “He had the whole place laughing, except for him of course.”
But she did say that getting to play with all of her friends and doing what she loves is what she will remember the most.
Hutto said her high school experience “was definitely something I’ll remember.”
“My teachers and friends made every day memorable,” said Hutto, who will start the Santa Fe College nursing program in the fall. “It was lots of fun and something I’ll cherish forever. It most definitely goes by way faster when you’re having fun.”