Suzanna Hyatt

After seven seasons as an assistant coach, Suzanna Hyatt was promoted to associate head coach of the Ohio State synchronized swimming program prior to the 2019 season. Coach Hyatt lettered for the Scarlet and Gray from 2000-03.

“Suzanna was an exceptional student-athlete during her career at Ohio State,” said head coach Holly Vargo-Brown. “She fully understands the commitment necessary to continue our tradition of excellence and will bring an energizing and fresh perspective to our program. I am beyond excited to welcome her back to the family.”

As an assistant coach, Hyatt has helped lead the Buckeyes to three U.S Collegiate National titles in 2015, 2017 and 2018 as well as a U.S Senior National Championship in 2014. She has also helped the team to three U.S. Collegiate runner-up finishes. She was named to the U.S. Synchro Contributor of the Year in 2014 for her efforts.

After being promoted to Associate Head Coach, Susanna helped the team to sweep the 2019 U.S. Collegiate Championship winning the team, solo, duet, trio, and overall National Championship. Nikki Dzurko claimed the Individual High Point Award and Solo Championship and paired with Laila Huric to secure gold representing Ohio State in duet. The trio of Wenjing Deng, Rachel Jager, and Stephanie Thielemann took first place after an impressive performance. The Scarlet squad came together after a season of changing rosters to secure the team championship while Gray brought an impressive third place finish back to Columbus. After the technical and artistic excellence presented by Ohio State, it was no surprise that the Overall Collegiate Championship was awarded to the Buckeyes. Ohio State is just one of three college programs to ever clinch four first-place finishes at the U.S. Collegiate Championship.

Hyatt, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., had a stellar career with the Buckeyes, capping her four-year stretch with 2003 U.S. Synchronized Swimming Collegiate Athlete of the Year honors and three All-American laurels. Additionally, Hyatt, along with teammate Chelsea Luker, was crowned the 2003 U.S. Collegiate Duet champions. Having the distinction of being part of four U.S. Collegiate championship teams, Hyatt arrived to campus as a freshman in 2000 and was a member of the Ohio State B team, which would later be renamed the Gray Squad. A year later, Hyatt earned a place on the A team (now known as the Scarlet Squad) and promptly helped continue the winning Buckeye tradition as Ohio State captured its second-consecutive U.S. Collegiate championship title. The following two seasons mimicked much of 2001 as Hyatt and the other members of the A team won their second and third-consecutive U.S. Collegiate team titles. Hyatt and the A squad also dominated the North Regional Championships during that stretch, winning titles from 2001-03.

While competing for the Buckeyes, Hyatt had the honor of being named to the U.S. National Team II squad in 2001 and was a member through 2003. She competed in the Swiss Open in 2001 and 2002 winning the Combo event, placing 2nd in Duet and Team with the US National Team.

Hyatt also excelled in the classroom. A three-time member of the U.S. Collegiate Academic Team, Hyatt was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and four-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete. A 2003 Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor Finalist, Hyatt was among a group of student-athletes who were recognized for excellence in both academics and athletics. During the 2003 season, Hyatt was presented with the Leann Grimes-Davidge Award. Awarded annually, the Leann Grimes-Davidge Award is given to a female athlete who reflects Grimes-Davidge’s outstanding qualities of athletic performance, scholarship, character, campus or community involvement and leadership.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 2003, Hyatt served as the Volunteer Coach for the 2004 National Championship Team at Ohio State which working as an ESL Assistant in Columbus City Schools.

That same year, Hyatt moved to Belgium as part of the original cast and creation team for Le Reve, The Dream. She moved to Las Vegas in 2005 and began working for Wynn Las Vegas, serving several capacities, including show performer and synchronized swimmer for Le Reve. During this time she appeared on numerous television and media productions, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Prior to returning to campus, Hyatt was the national team coach for Preselección de Panama Nado Sincronizado, the inaugural national team of Panama.

In 2014, Hyatt received her master’s degree in Physical Education with a Specialization in Coaching from Ball State University.