J. Hibbert Atlanta United Goalkeeper 42: Player Profile and Career Overview
Jayden Hibbert has been making waves as Atlanta United’s goalkeeper, donning the number 42 jersey. At 6’2″, he brings a real sense of confidence to the back line. Folks around the league started noticing him during his first pro year, right after Atlanta picked him 19th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
Hibbert’s time at the University of Connecticut and his play for Atlanta United 2 really show how quickly he’s adapted to a tough, fast-moving environment.
Fans and analysts have their eyes glued to his progress, watching him go from college star to pro starter. If you’re curious about up-and-coming soccer talent, you’ll want to keep tabs on Hibbert’s journey. You can check out his latest stats and info on his club profile.
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Profile of J. Hibbert
J. Hibbert stands out as a young goalkeeper for Atlanta United and he’s already turning heads early in his pro career. His story runs through youth leagues and college soccer, shaped by his mixed heritage and his upbringing in the U.S.
Background and Place of Birth
Jayden Hibbert was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. He grew up in a sports-loving community, so he always had chances to jump into youth soccer teams and local leagues.
Those early days in Teaneck really shaped his approach to the game. The town’s known for raising athletes who work hard and stay focused on improving.
Before he turned pro, Hibbert played for Cedar Stars Rush in USL League Two. That experience at the amateur level helped him sharpen his skills and learn the basics of goalkeeping.
Age and Date of Birth
Jayden Hibbert came into the world on August 5, 2004. He’s 20 years old as of now.
That makes him one of the youngest goalkeepers in Major League Soccer—a big deal for someone handling such a high-pressure spot. Atlanta United signed him after the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, bringing him in at just 19.
Key Age-Related Career Events
| Date | Age | Event |
|---|---|---|
| August 5, 2004 | 0 | Born in Teaneck, New Jersey |
| 2021-2022 | 17-18 | Played for Cedar Stars Rush |
| Jan 2024 | 19 | Signed with Atlanta United |
| 2024 MLS Season | 19-20 | Professional debut season |
Citizenship and Heritage
Hibbert holds both U.S. and Jamaican citizenship. That dual background gives him a window into two soccer cultures.
He can suit up for either the United States or Jamaica in international play. That’s a pretty cool spot to be in for both his club and any national team that wants him.
His Jamaican roots matter a lot to him, but growing up and training in the U.S. paved his way to the pros. Plenty of young players with immigrant backgrounds see themselves in his story, and that makes Hibbert someone to watch—maybe even on the international scene down the line. If you want more on his club career, check out his Atlanta United profile.
Journey to Atlanta United
Jayden Hibbert’s road to Atlanta United shows steady progress at every turn. His rise reflects the coaches and programs that helped him develop as a young keeper.
Early Education and Youth Clubs
Growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey, Hibbert got hooked on soccer early. He joined Cedar Stars Academy, one of the top youth clubs around, and started turning heads with his quick reflexes and ability to stop shots.
At Cedar Stars, he went up against tough competition and started to read the game better. The club’s training really hammered home technique and discipline—skills he’d rely on later.
Playing with and against some of the best in the region, Hibbert learned to adapt fast. Those New Jersey years laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
St. Benedict’s Prep and Red Bulls Academy
After making noise in club soccer, Hibbert attended St. Benedict’s Prep—a school with a powerhouse soccer program. There, he worked with coaches who pushed him to sharpen his footwork, communication, and leadership.
His play at St. Benedict’s drew the attention of top soccer academies in the Northeast. He joined the New York Red Bulls Academy and started training like a pro, facing some of the best youth players in the country.
Between high school championships and Red Bulls Academy matches, Hibbert learned to handle pressure and bounce back from setbacks. Those lessons stuck with him as he moved into college soccer and beyond.
UConn and University of Connecticut Career
Next up, Hibbert committed to the University of Connecticut. He became the Huskies’ starting goalkeeper as a sophomore, starting all 14 games in the 2023 season.
He made 41 saves and picked up three clean sheets, showing he could be a steady force between the posts. Facing top NCAA teams every week, Hibbert kept working on his tactical awareness and passing out of the back.
Here’s a quick look at his UConn stats:
| Season | Games Played | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 | 41 | 3 |
His performances at UConn caught the eyes of pro scouts and led to a deal with Atlanta United 2.
Professional Career with Atlanta United
Jayden Hibbert’s leap from college standout to pro goalkeeper really shows what he’s made of. His jump into the Atlanta United system, his time in MLS Next Pro, and his growing responsibilities at the club all highlight a player ready for the next step.
Joining the Club and Professional Contract
Atlanta United picked Jayden Hibbert 19th in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Coming out of UConn, he quickly caught the coaching staff’s eye with his calm play and ability to organize the defense.
He officially signed with Atlanta United FC on January 12, 2024. His first contract put him with Atlanta United 2, the club’s reserve squad. That setup let him train with both the first and second teams while getting ready for real match minutes.
That early foundation made his transition to the pros much smoother, honestly.
Role in 2025 Season
In 2025, Hibbert started training with the first team more often. Atlanta’s roster moves opened the door for him to grab minutes, especially during U.S. Open Cup games and international breaks.
He zeroed in on improving his shot-stopping, commanding the air, and distributing the ball. As backup to the club’s veteran starter, Hibbert stayed ready for any opportunity.
He made himself valuable in training and match prep, always keeping his work rate high.
2025 Season Highlights Table
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 4 |
| Starts | 2 |
| Saves | 17 |
| Clean Sheets | 1 |
| Goals Allowed | 5 |
Atlanta United 2 and MLS Next Pro Experience
Before jumping up to the first team, Hibbert logged regular starts for Atlanta United 2 in MLS Next Pro. Competing at that level helped him get used to the speed and physicality of pro soccer.
He became the main goalkeeper for several matches, earning respect for his composure and leadership at the back.
He pulled off some big multi-save performances and kept the defense organized. Hibbert’s instincts and ability to read the game gave Atlanta United 2 real stability. That experience set him up for bigger responsibilities with the main squad.
Draft and Transfer History
Jayden Hibbert’s pro journey has been shaped by some key moments in the MLS SuperDraft and a few important moves within American soccer. Those selections and transfers have mapped out his path from college to the pro ranks.
MLS SuperDraft and 2024 MLS SuperDraft
Hibbert entered the pro game through the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, where Atlanta United picked him 19th overall. That put him among the top college soccer prospects.
Before the draft, Hibbert played two seasons at UConn and locked down the starting goalkeeper spot.
His draft position showed that coaches and scouts trusted his consistency and upside. During the 2023 season, he started every game for the Huskies and picked up two Big East “Goalkeeper of the Week” awards.
2023 UConn College Stats:
| Season | Games | Saves | Clean Sheets | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 | 41 | 2 | 2x GoTW (Big East) |
With that draft selection, Hibbert jumped right into Atlanta’s system—a great example of the SuperDraft shaping young careers.
Transfers, Loans, and Participation
After the draft, Hibbert signed with Atlanta United 2 to play in MLS Next Pro for 2024. That first contract gave him a spot to develop against tough competition.
He made his debut for Atlanta United 2 on April 21, 2024, facing FC Cincinnati 2.
In June 2024, Atlanta sent Hibbert on loan to the Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship. That move aimed to get him more first-team experience at a higher level.
Getting steady minutes in the USL Championship only helps him sharpen his game for Atlanta’s main squad.
Atlanta United already confirmed Hibbert will join their first team in January 2025. It’s a clear path for his growth and keeps him moving up the ladder.
Agent and Representation
Jayden Hibbert is represented by Axia Sports, a well-known agency for pro soccer players. Having a solid agency behind him speaks to the growing professionalism in his career.
Axia Sports has steered Hibbert through the draft, his first contract, and the loan process. Their expertise helps him handle transitions and contract details without getting sidetracked.
A good agent is huge for young players making early career moves. The right support lets guys like Hibbert focus on their game, not the business side.
Goalkeeping Performance and Statistics
Jayden Hibbert’s early days at Atlanta United have been all about steady performances in goal, taking charge of his box, and showing growth every game. He’s got sharp shot-stopping instincts and a calm demeanor—not something you see every day in a young keeper.
Key Appearances and Matches
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Hibbert’s debut season—he jumped right into the fire with some high-stakes matches. When he first took the field in Major League Soccer, you could see the nerves, but his reactions and that loud, commanding voice? Hard to ignore.
In those games against top-tier opponents, especially teams stacked with attacking talent, Hibbert locked in and just didn’t let much slip by. He made sure to limit chances, and you could tell he was dialed in.
He racked up a string of back-to-back starts for Atlanta United 2—think battles with Columbus Crew 2, for example. Hibbert’s saves? Sometimes they were the only thing standing between a draw and a loss.
Fans and coaches both noticed his quick reflexes. He kept the back line organized, especially when things got tense late in the match.
Check out this quick summary of some of his key appearances:
| Date | Opponent | Minutes Played | Saves | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-10 | Columbus Crew 2 | 90 | 5 | 1 |
| 2024-08-02 | Red Bulls II | 90 | 6 | 2 |
| 2024-09-15 | Inter Miami II | 90 | 3 | 0 |
Goals Conceded and Saves
Let’s dig into the numbers. Hibbert’s stats really show his knack for making big saves when it matters most.
Atlanta United’s defense has had its ups and downs, but Hibbert usually kept things under control with sharp reactions and solid positioning. He averaged just over four saves per match, and he even notched a few clean sheets along the way.
His save percentage hovered close to 70%. That’s pretty impressive for a young keeper—definitely puts him up there with the best of his age group.
Hibbert handled the ball with his feet well, rarely giving the ball away in dangerous spots. Oh, and don’t forget the penalty kicks—he even stopped one in live action, which really fired up the crowd and his teammates.
Honors and Awards
Before Atlanta United came calling, Hibbert grabbed the Big East Goalkeeper of the Week award while playing at UConn. That’s no small feat, and it really put him on the map at the college level.
Professional awards haven’t piled up just yet, but coaches keep talking about his work ethic and leadership. That’s gotta count for something, right?
Getting the nod as starting goalkeeper for a handful of matches as a rookie? That says a lot about how much trust the staff already has in him.
People are watching Hibbert’s journey closely, and honestly, it feels like more honors are just around the corner. If you want a deeper dive into how he made the jump from UConn to Atlanta United, check out this feature: Jayden Hibbert’s career path.
Notable Games and Clubs
Jayden Hibbert’s been making waves at Atlanta United as a goalkeeper, turning in some highlight-reel saves and even breaking a few records. He’s also picked up valuable experience in the USL Championship on loan, sharpening his skills with clubs like Birmingham Legion FC and San Antonio FC.
Atlanta United in MLS
Atlanta United FC picked Hibbert 19th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He put pen to paper on his first pro contract in January 2024 and wasted no time earning a backup spot.
When Atlanta United 2 needed him, Hibbert stepped up and made an impact right away.
The Jamaican international didn’t just show up—he set a new Atlanta United 2 single-season saves record, racking up 89 saves in 19 matches. That’s a lot of work between the sticks.
One game really stands out: a 1-1 draw with Inter Miami CF II on August 18. Hibbert stopped 13 shots that night, a club record, and kept Atlanta in the game.
When the pressure cranked up, Hibbert delivered. He’s become a steady presence for Atlanta United. You can read more about his accomplishments with Atlanta United.
Key Atlanta United 2 Stats
| Season | Games Played | Saves | Clean Sheets | Notable Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19 | 89 | 3 | 13 saves in single match |
USL Championship and Loan Spells
Hibbert’s path included time in the USL Championship, where he really got to test himself. Those matches gave him steady game time against tough opposition.
Loan spells meant he had to adapt—new teammates, new systems, new challenges. He learned how to fit in and stand out at the same time.
At Atlanta United 2 in the USL, Hibbert’s shot-stopping and command of the box became his calling cards. Coaches kept praising his attitude and how he organized the defense.
All those minutes in the USL? They set him up for a bigger role in MLS.
His games often featured:
- Several matches with five or more saves
- Steady leadership from the back
- Quick throws and kicks to spark counterattacks
Birmingham Legion FC and San Antonio FC
On loan, Hibbert spent time with Birmingham Legion FC and San Antonio FC. These stints mattered—he got valuable minutes when Atlanta United didn’t have a starting spot open.
For Birmingham, he started in matches where the defense faced a barrage of shots. He had to make big saves, and he did.
At San Antonio, he stood out for his communication and his ability to adjust to the team’s tactics. Coaches noticed how quickly he fit in.
Both clubs saw Hibbert rise to the occasion and perform when it counted. That trend kept going when he returned to Atlanta United.
Professional Relationships and Mentors
Hibbert’s growth with Atlanta United? It didn’t happen in a vacuum. He learned a ton from the people around him—teammates, coaches, the whole crew.
The daily grind in training gave him support and some real role models to look up to.
Collaboration with Brad Guzan and Josh Cohen
Hibbert joined a goalkeeper group with veteran Brad Guzan and the steady-handed Josh Cohen. Guzan brought years of MLS and international experience, setting the tone for what it means to be a pro. You could see how he led by example in every training session.
Cohen, fresh off a successful run overseas, offered a different perspective. He focused on the technical side and stayed calm when things got wild. Hibbert picked up a lot from Cohen, whether they were talking positioning at practice or breaking down film after a match.
This wasn’t just about drills and technique. Each keeper had their own quirks—Guzan was always loud and commanding, Cohen paid attention to every little detail. Hibbert soaked it all in, learning by watching and by jumping into bigger roles during training.
Goalkeeper Stats | Atlanta United 2024 Season (selected):
| Player | MLS Matches | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Guzan | 22 | 65 | 7 |
| Josh Cohen | 10 | 30 | 2 |
| Jayden Hibbert | 0* | N/A | N/A |
*Hibbert featured in Atlanta United 2 during 2024. Data as of end of MLS regular season.
Coaches and Development
Let me tell you, for Hibbert, the coaching staff really shaped his jump from college soccer at UConn to Atlanta United. He worked a ton with goalkeeping coach John Berner—those two probably saw each other more than their own families.
Berner dialed in Hibbert’s training, making it all about what he needed most. Sometimes they’d break down video, other days it was all about footwork or making split-second decisions in the box.
They didn’t just hand him drills and walk away. Berner gave feedback right there, in the moment, and kept pushing Hibbert to react to everything the game could throw at him.
This kind of coaching—consistent, detailed, relentless—helped Hibbert get used to the speed and chaos of MLS. The league moves fast, but Atlanta’s staff made sure he wasn’t left behind.
In team meetings, Hibbert started to buy into the structure Atlanta’s coaches brought. Every session, they had a plan to move him up from backup to someone the team could trust on the field.
Honestly, you could see the impact. The staff and keepers worked together, and that teamwork really fueled Hibbert’s steady climb.
