Hayden Williamson joined head coach Patrick Hager as an assistant coach of cross country and track & field in August of 2023.
A native of Battleground, Washington, Williamson earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art from Houghton University in May of 2023, while running four years of cross country and competing as a jumper and hurdler on the track & field team.
As an athlete, Williamson left her mark on Houghton track & field history in numerous events, winning multiple honors. In her sophomore year, Williamson claimed an Empire 8 title in the high jump for both indoor and outdoor track & field. She then placed second in each of her three other seasons in the event.
From 2021-2023, Williamson competed at the Mid-Atlantic Regional meet in the high jump, and in 2021 placed 8th overall, earning a podium spot.
On the all-time Highlander track & field leaderboard, Williamson ranks in the top 10 in: high jump indoor (4th), high jump outdoor (2nd), long jump indoor (7th), long jump outdoor (8th), pentathlon (4th) and heptathlon (school record holder)
She was name Empire 8 Sportswoman of the year in 2021 (indoor) and 2022 (outdoor).
Williamson lists the 2023 outdoor Empire 8 championship meet at Utica as her favorite, where she participated in a thrilling "jump off", in which officials moved the bar moved up and down between two heights at least five times. Williamson recalls, "This meet, out of my athletic career, was the most times I have cleared five feet in a [single] day."
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Williamson has an extensive background in equestrian training and riding, swimming and lifeguarding, and outdoor activities. She has also worked multiple summers at camps for children. She currently resides in Houghton.
