TicketsSept. 19, 2005
by Becky Hart, Sports Communications Student Assistant
Matt Hayden does not take his opportunities for granted. The senior co-captain of the men's soccer team has spent his years at the University of Cincinnati making the most of his time on the field, in the classroom, and around the community.
Growing up in Colorado, Hayden got an early introduction to outdoor sports such as skiing, hiking, fishing, and, obviously, soccer. He began his soccer career as a child following in the footsteps of his father and brother, from whom he inherited a love for the game and a strong sense of competitiveness. "I tried to play with my brother who is six years older than me," he said. "I would try to play in his games and they'd have to hold me back."
Matt was certainly not held back on the field when he traveled to Europe in high school to participate in international competition. "You were playing for your team, but it was still like you were playing for your country." Playing against European and South American teams in Denmark and Sweden, Hayden gained new perspectives on the game and the world. While playing a quarterfinal match against the Swedish team on its home turf, the midfielder saw the hometown crowd of thousands shift from being "harsh on us" to cheering for and respecting his American team. "It's very different," he said of the atmosphere during the game. "It was a good eye-opener." Hayden scored his team's only goal in the 2-1 loss, but it was an opportunity he is unlikely to forget. "That was probably the greatest experience I've ever had."
Now Hayden is switching from leading the American team to international success to leading the Bearcats to BIG EAST wins. As a fifth-year senior, Matt is one of the most experienced team members. Along with junior co-captain Mike Vessells, Hayden plans on showing the way to his younger teammates through example. "I've played in big games over the years," he said. "I just want to try to show the younger guys how things work and give them advice." He'll have plenty of chances this season as the squad attempts to play its way into the BIG EAST Tournament during its first year in the conference.
With Hayden's success rate for achieving his goals on the field, it's no surprise that he has already met many of his goals in the classroom. Upon arriving at UC, he hoped to graduate within four years from the College of Business. Hayden met his goal by earning his degree in finance last spring.
Matt's road to graduation was not without impressive accolades. He has twice earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors and the men's soccer quarterly Scholar-Athlete award, as well as Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition. "It means a lot," Hayden said of earning the academic awards. "It represents the team and the school. It's just hard work. If you put effort into it, you can achieve it."
Hayden also brings hard work and effort into his involvement with community service projects. With Bearcat soccer and the campus organization CPAWS, Committee to Promote Athlete Welfare and Success, he has built homes with Habitat for Humanity, visited with kids at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital and made meals at the Ronald McDonald House. Volunteering holds great importance for Matt, who sees it as an opportunity to improve the lives of others as well as his own. "You gain appreciation for other people. You build respect for other people's situations."
Opportunity is everywhere for Matt Hayden. When he leaves the University of Cincinnati, he would like to continue playing soccer "if my body will hold up," but he also has some job possibilities in the real estate business. Regardless of the direction he chooses, Matt feels that Cincinnati has prepared him well for the future. "I think your time at the university is what you make it." Matt is one student-athlete who has definitely made the most of being a Bearcat.