Name: John Michael Hayden Position: Midfield Height: 5’10
Weight: 160 Birthday: April 27, 1984
Hometown: Louisville KY
Last Club Played For: Houston Dynamo Professional Experience: 3 years Major League Soccer
College: 4 years Indiana University
Club/Prep/High School: Javanon, Trinity HS
Personal: Married on December 1, 2007 to Hollie Hayden. Son of Michael and Patricia Hayden. Currently serving as Director of Coaching for Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club.
Getting to know John Michael...
Pregame Superstition: Really don’t have any- I try to stay lose and not over think the game because when I do that’s when I don’t play well. The game should be played carefree and that’s how I try to approach it.
What is your favorite move on the field: Anything that gets me past the defender
Favorite pre-game meal: Over my career I have been given chicken and pasta almost every single game, not really my favorite but it does the trick.
What is your most memorable soccer moment: Scoring in the NCAA Division 1 National Semi-Final game against Maryland on a header with 48 seconds left in over time to put us (Indiana University) into the National Collegiate Final
Who was your favorite coach and why? With out a doubt Jerry Yeagley of Indiana University, he was and is the greatest motivator I have ever met. Still to this day he continues to be an influential part of my life
What would you recommend to young players who want to become a professional athlete?: I would say practice, practice, and practice some more. Growing up one thing I always did that separated me from my peers was I would spend countless hours with the soccer ball. I would have club soccer practice at noon over at Eva Badman Park, then I’d be over at Seneca Park from 4-6pm playing pickup with all the older players within the city, then at night I’d play futsol in my basement with my dad until he couldn’t walk anymore. Spending time with the ball and becoming very comfortable with it is vastly important to a youth player’s development. Dedicate yourself to the game and the rewards will follow.
Best part about being a professional athlete: The best part is getting to play the game I love with quality players everyday.
Favorite music group/artist: Angels and Airways
Favorite movie: Gladiator
Hobbies & Interests: Anything to do with Soccer
A “funny human trick” you can do: nada
Someone you would like to meet: Jesus
Favorite quote: “ Carpi Diem” Seize the Day
Where is your favorite vacation spot?: St. Lucia (where Hollie and I spent our honeymoon)
Biggest thrill in soccer: Being selected First Round 13th overall in the 2007 Major League Soccer Super Draft
