From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: Olivia Hutton’s Journey to Professional Sport

As the physiotherapist for the Surrey Women’s Academy, Olivia (Year 9 2013) plays a vital role in keeping athletes fit, healthy, and ready to perform at their best.

“I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare but wasn’t sure how,” Olivia recalls. “Taking Physical Education (PE) at St Margaret’s gave me a real interest in how the body works. Plus, I played loads of sport (and spent plenty of time at the physio), which really sparked my curiosity about rehab and injury prevention. Those experiences definitely pushed me toward physio.”

Her journey began in New Zealand, where she gained hands-on experience as a sideline medic for rugby teams in Dunedin and Christchurch while studying. “That taught me to stay calm and think fast,” she says. After graduating, Olivia moved to Hawke’s Bay, working in private practice while also supporting club rugby and women’s representative teams. The high-intensity environment of rugby prepared her well for the transition to professional cricket. “Rugby’s fast-paced environment helped me a lot in making the move to professional cricket, especially understanding athletes’ demands and how to keep them performing at their best.”

Now based in London, Olivia has embraced the challenge of working with elite cricketers. “It’s been awesome! Living in London and working full-time in professional sport has been such a great step,” she says. “Cricket is new for me, so I’m learning lots, especially around managing training loads and helping athletes stay on the park. Women’s cricket is growing fast, and it’s amazing to be part of that.”

In her role at Surrey County Cricket Club, Olivia primarily works with the Surrey Women’s Academy, supporting young players aged 15 to 21 who are striving for professional contracts. “Right now, we’re finishing up winter training and getting ready for a busy season,” she explains. “My days are spent assessing players, treating injuries, and working closely with our strength and conditioning coach, as well as being at all team training sessions and games. I also help out with the senior women’s team at the Kia Oval, supporting injured players through their rehab and working with the wider medical and coaching staff.”

For current St Margaret’s students who dream of a career in sport, Olivia has simple but valuable advice: “If you love sport but aren’t sure how to turn that into a career, know that there are so many options - physio, coaching, sports psych, management - and all of them make a difference. My best advice: take every opportunity to gain experience, even the small opportunities. Volunteer, shadow, and ask questions! You’ll learn so much along the way and figure out what’s right for you.”