Jayden Hibbert: From UConn to Atlanta United

Jayden Hibbert, Atlanta United’s 19th overall MLS Superdraft pick in late 2023, has been on a whirlwind journey since joinging the Five Stripes. As the main goalkeeper for Atlanta United 2, Hibbert’s overall path has been phenomenal as he’s already shown to be a keeper who has matured beyond his years. He’s now looking to continue that trajectory under the tutelage of Atlanta’s very experienced goalkeepers, but how did he get to this point?

Jayden Hibbert’s soccer journey began at the age of four in Teaneck, New Jersey, a short distance from New York proper. A naturally athletic child, Hibbert dabbled in various sports, including gymnastics and basketball, but soccer rapidly became his calling.

“I started playing soccer when I was four years old in a small town in Jersey called Teaneck,” Hibbert recalled in an exclusive interview with Scarves and Spikes. His early development was molded by his participation in club teams and his time at Red Bulls Academy, Cedar Stars Academy, and St. Benedict’s Prep.

“Fortunately my soccer coach was really nice, and my basketball coach wasn’t,” Hibbert laughed. “And as a kid, you know that matters in development.”

Fans who’ve watched Jayden for Atlanta United 2 already know he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet. Hibbert’s versatility on the field during his youth played a crucial role in his development.

“Up to U12, I would play two years older as the keeper and my age as a right back or right wing,” he said. This experience honed his footy skills and forced him to develop a deeper understanding of the game and more comfort with the ball, which has been instrumental in his rapid ascent as a goalkeeper.

Throughout his early years, Hibbert credited several key figures for his development.

“Early coaches for sure, and what really started to cultivate me loving the game and really loving the process of becoming a keeper was Sebastian “Russo” Andersen at Cedar Stars Academy,” he stated. Russo, an Argentinian coach with professional experience, brought intensity and fun to training, which Jayden said fueled his passion for goalkeeping.

Choosing the University of Connecticut (UConn) for his collegiate career, Hibbert found a platform to elevate his game.

“Coming into UConn was a big transition moment for me,” he explained. The opportunity to step into the starting goalkeeper role as a freshman was massive. Surrounded by older, more experienced players, Hibbert learned from his mistakes and grew in confidence.

His decision to attend UConn was strategic, as the starting goalkeeper position was set to be vacated. This presented a golden opportunity for Hibbert to dive in and make an immediate impact. “UConn was a good spot in terms of the keeper was leaving and the spot was going to be open. For a young guy to come in and step in, take that role was a massive step for me,” he explained.

His sophomore year at UConn was a breakout season. “Instead of jumping into my sophomore year, I was already developed, seeing things allowed me to really thrive and have a huge sophomore year,” Hibbert reflects. His time at UConn not only sharpened his skills but also prepared him for the professional scene; the collegiate environment, with its blend of young talent and seasoned players, provided a solid training ground for Hibbert.

Drafted by Atlanta United in the first round, Hibbert’s transition to professional soccer was a dream come true. “Getting drafted my sophomore year to Atlanta United was a massive step for me,” he shared. Just like many before him (Miles Robinson, anyone), joining Atlanta United 2 provided him with a unique – and different – environment to further his development. The coaching staff, particularly goalkeeping coaches Liam Curran and Lewis Sharpe, have been instrumental in his growth. “The goalkeeping coach corps here is phenomenal,” Hibbert noted when asked about how the transition has aided in his growth.

Training alongside seasoned goalkeepers like Brad Guzan, Quentin Westberg, Josh Cohen and John Berner has been invaluable.

“I’m just grabbing knowledge left and right from them, listening and working off them,” Hibbert stated. The camaraderie and mentorship within the goalkeeper union have enabled a supportive atmosphere and has accelerated Hibbert’s learning curve, allowing him to refine the various aspects of being a Five Stripe keeper – even if he’s teased as the young guy, at times.

Hibbert said he’s embraced life in Atlanta, both on and off the field. He lives with teammate Noble Okello, and mentioned he enjoys exploring the city’s culinary scene around the Beltline and engaging in local activities like bowling and – to a degree – golf. “The Beltline is a good spot, and there are good food spots in Sandy Springs,” he says. Bowling has become a particular favorite, a pastime he picked up during his college days. “In Connecticut, there wasn’t much to do around the UConn campus, so we would often go bowling. It’s something I enjoyed and continued doing,” he explained. For anyone wondering, he’s humble about bowling but mentioned he’s hit a solid 149 before.

Golf is another hobby Hibbert has embraced, despite admitting he’s not particularly skilled at it. “I’m not great, but it’s good to get out there with the fellas,” he said, laughing.

Off the field, Hibbert’s dedication to fitness and conditioning is evident, as he mentioned he was big into gym work. He adheres to a rigorous gym routine, focusing on maintaining his athleticism and physical health. “I was always an athletic kid, and in high school and college, the gym was a big part of my routine. I’ve tried to carry that into Atlanta,” he shares. His workouts are designed to complement his training, ensuring he remains in peak condition for matches.

On the field, Hibbert said he’s just focused on his professional aspirations. “Hopefully, I can make that jump up to the first team as quickly as possible,” he expressed. Like most young soccer players, he noted that his ultimate dream is to play in Europe at the highest levels. “That’s what I started playing soccer for, to play in Europe at the highest levels possible,” he explained, also revealing that his favorite club in Europe is Manchester City. That ambition, though, drives him to continually push his boundaries and strive for excellence, and that’s plain to see when he’s out on the pitch.

Hibbert’s recent loan stint with Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship was a significant chapter in his career. “It was a great process, playing high-level games with older players in an established league,” he recalled. The experience was a blend of very specific learning moments, all of which he said contributed to his growth. “I learned a lot, especially in terms of mentality and preparing for games,” said Jayden.

Of those various learning moments, Hibbert said the loan definitely helped him develop his left foot further in a short time and adapt to a new environment quickly. “I stepped up and showed some personality, which was a good experience,” he noted, stating that he felt he needed to walk into Birmingham and immediately show who he was, not act like the “new” guy. This period of intense learning and adaptation was crucial in shaping his approach to the game. The fast-paced schedule and high level of competition in the USL Championship provided a valuable month of learning for Hibbert.

One of the key lessons from his time at Birmingham was the importance of mental preparation. “The mentality, they go through games pretty quick, you play a game, have a rest, and then you’re back into it,” he explained. That relentless pace required Hibbert to stay mentally sharp and resilient, traits that he’s already implementing upon his return to Atlanta United 2.

Beyond the Birmingham loan, Jayden has also received a call-up to the Jamaican national team for the World Cup Qualifiers – an achievement that certainly speaks for itself. “It was an amazing experience. The guys are super funny, the Jamaican culture is amazing and I wish I could be around it more,” Hibbert said, laughing. “It’s different, it’s not as technical because you have players that play different systems and different clubs around the world. They’re high level players, and players from Europe, so it’s a tribute to their play style while also respecting the Jamaican play style and how the coaches want to play.”

Jayden also noted that he’s actually potentially eligible to play internationally for three countries, the first obviously being Jamaica, with the other two being the United States and Canada. But he spoke of his time representing Jamaica with pride.

As Hibbert continues to develop his craft and keep an eye towards breaking through to the first team, he remains grateful for the support of the Atlanta United community. “The fans are amazing, and I love the city,” he said, smiling. His message to fans is one of hope and determination. “I’m hopefully here for a long time… and I’m looking forward to all that lies ahead in the process,” he stated.

It’s clear the 2’s have found a steadfast, young goal keeper who prioritizes refining his craft and growing as a player and person. With tons of experience around him every single day, Hibbert is in a prime position to develop into a future first team keeper with a fruitful career ahead. In the meantime, keep an eye on him with Atlanta United 2, who are just coming off a 2-1 win vs Huntsville City and are preparing to play New England Revolution 2 on August 3rd.