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SLIPPERY ROCK — Julianna Hutchinson, in her words, wants “to watch my younger sisters grow up.”
So her academic and softball career will have to continue their growth in the neighborhood she grew up in.
The Slippery Rock High School senior catcher signed a letter of intent with Slippery Rock University last week.
“I looked at some Division I schools in Ohio, like Cleveland State, some MAC and Atlantic 10 schools,” Hutchinson said. “But they were just too far away from home.
“My little sisters (Caroline and Lauren) are 6 and 4 years old. I didn't want to miss seeing them grow up. Division II softball is better for me, anyway. I want to have more freedom.”
Hutchinson hit .403 as the Rockets' catcher last season in helping the team win the program's first-ever District 10 championship. Slippery Rock finished the season at 17-5.
Hutchinson played some third base, shortstop and second base as well — and committed only one error in 159 chances.
“Defense is what it's about for me,” she said. “I consider myself a defensive player first.”
That comes from playing catcher, a position Hutchinson has been at since age 9.
“A softball catcher can be put almost anywhere else on the field and play well defensively,” Slippery Rock High School coach Dan Hindman said. “Catcher is the toughest position to play.”
And the one Hutchinson loves the most.
“You're always involved there. I'm part of every pitch,” she said. “When you catch, you're facing the whole field. You see everything, you can direct things. I absolutely love it.”
SRU is coming off a 24-19 season last spring — its first winning campaign since 2011 — under fifth-year coach Stacey Rice. The Rock made the PSAC tournament for the first time since 2009.
Hutchinson can walk to the SRU campus, which “is three minutes away from our house.”
She hopes to play for The Rock as a freshman.
“Coach Rice told me if I hit, she'll find a spot for me.”
She will probably hit.
Besides her .403 average from last season, Hutchinson hit ,.400 her sophomore year as well.
“Julianna has been the No. 3 or 4 hitter in our lineup for the past three years and I'm sure she'll be in that same spot next spring,” Hindman said. “She plays travel ball in the summer and has been to all of the major tournaments.”
The Rockets graduated six key seniors from last year's district title team, leaving Hutchinson as one of the few mainstays coming back.
“I know she will be the leader of this team. There's no question in my mind she will handle that role,” Hindman said.
“Whether she's going to Slippery Rock or any other college, Julianna is using softball as a tool to further her education and that's what's important.
“I've seen Slippery Rock (University) play and her talent is on the same level as those girls. She should fit right in,” Hindman added.
