At just 16 years old, Zac Hutton is already making a splash—in and out of the pool.
A Year 11 student at Matthew Flinders Anglican College and a proud member of the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP), Zac is juggling his senior studies with multiple sporting commitments across water polo, swimming and volleyball along with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, playing brass for the Flinders Wind Symphony and Stage Band.
This June and July, Zac’s journey takes him across the globe to the United States, where he’ll spend six weeks touring colleges and competing in the prestigious USA Under 18 national water polo tournament as a draft player. He will also work with Study & Play USA as a 2027 water polo recruit.
The Study & Play USA team note: “With a wingspan of 6'6", great grades, experience playing up with older guys, and the perfect timing to begin his recruitment journey, Zac has exciting opportunities ahead.”
As a centre forward in the Australian Youth National water polo team, Zac is aiming high and hopes to study mechatronics engineering through the US college system, combining his love for sport with a passion for innovation and problem-solving.
We asked Zac to share some of his journey and goals in this FEAP Profile.
Q: Tell us about some of your sporting achievements.
I made the 16U Australian National Junior Water Polo Team Tour to New Zealand. And I am playing as a draft player in the USA Under 18 national tournament, while working with Study Play USA as a 2027 water polo recruit.
Q: What are your sporting goals for 2025 and beyond?
In 2025, I aim to make the 17U Queensland team. In 2026, I aim to make the 18U Australian National Team to go to the 2026 World Championships. Long term, I’m working towards earning a scholarship to a US college so that I can play water polo while studying mechatronics engineering.
Q: What are your academic goals at Flinders?
At Flinders, my goals are to maximise my time at school while maintaining a balance between sport while studying rigorous subjects. I’m also working hard to maintain a strong GPA that supports my USA college applications and complements my sporting commitments.
Q: What support are you enjoying through FEAP?
FEAP has been incredibly helpful in balancing my academic and sporting commitments. The flexibility with assessments, mentorship from staff and direct academic support have made it easier to stay on track while I’m also attending competitions and training camps.
Q: Tell us about some of the new skills and strategies you are learning?
I’ve developed better time management skills to handle travel, training and study. I’m also learning how to study effectively and efficiently with the time I have.
Q: What else have you enjoyed about FEAP?
I’ve enjoyed being part of a group of like-minded student athletes who understand the pressures of balancing sport and study. The sense of community and encouragement has made a real difference, especially during busier parts of the term.
Q: Who is your sporting role model and why?
One of my role models is Aaron Younger, Australia’s previous water polo captain. He’s not just an elite athlete—he’s known for his leadership, work ethic and ability to perform under pressure. I admire how he represents Australia with pride and consistency.
Cover image: Zac Hutton, Matthew Flinders Anglican College, playing for Sunshine Coast Water Polo.
