HoustonDynamo.com caught up with John Michael Hayden to ask him a few questions about life, soccer and food.
Most kids grow up watching their favorite sport and begin to dream of being like their favorite athlete...who was your inspiration?
I watched Zinedine Zidane and Rivaldo
What is your favorite soccer memory?
In the 2004 Men's College Cup held in California I scored on a header against Maryland in the semifinals with 48 seconds left in double overtime. The goal put us in the finals against UCSB for the National Championship.
Do you have any nicknames?
Johnny, Johnny Mike, JMH & Heijduk
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Probably when I was a freshman in college and I went to an eight week class for about the first three weeks of the semester then I realized I was actually registered to take the class the second eight weeks instead of the first. The professor told me that he guessed I would be well prepared for the upcoming weeks and he'd see me then.
Tell me about your family...do you have any siblings? What do your parents do? Who has been your biggest supporter?
I have a sister who is four years older than me and is currently in the process of getting her Doctorates degree in Psychology. My mother is currently managing our home as it is in the process of being renovated for sell. My father works at Windstream communications and is an active participant in pick-up soccer. He still plays every Sat. and tries to throughout the week. Both my parents have been my biggest supporters, they try to attend every soccer game I play in.
When did you know that you wanted to pursue soccer professionally?
I have had the ambition to play professionally ever since I was able to kick a ball. I worked very hard to get where I am today and I thank God that I finally have the opportunity.
Tell me about your first pair of cleats. What color were they? What brand? How long did you keep them?
My first pair of cleats were a pair of Mitres (I think that's what they're called) I wore them until I started playing competitively on Javanon in my hometown. The guys on the team all had Adidas Copa Mundials and I remember I wanted them so bad. I finally got them for Christmas that year and they have been my favorite cleat since.
Since you have been at your university what have you missed the most about your hometown?
I miss being around my friends and family especially my new fiancé Hollie Minogue who went to the University of Louisville in my hometown.
What is your favorite hometown hangout?
I'm a big fan of Qdoba, a Mexican grill that serves large size burritos. It's just like Chipotle which I have been to a number of times since being here in Houston.
If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Zinedine Zidane from the French National team because first and foremost he is such a tremendous soccer player and second I would want to know why he head butted Materazzi in the World Cup Final.
What person do you admire the most and why?
I admire both of my parents and hope that I am able to support my children just as well as they supported me throughout my life.
What is your degree?
I received a degree in General Studies and also got a minor in Business Administrations.
During your college career, what has been your favorite class?
I think the number was F260, Personal Finance
Tell me about your campus...what is the best thing about your university?
I loved the fact that the school was so involved in the soccer program and that there were always so many people at our games.
Do you have a favorite coach?
As of today my favorite coach is Jerry Yeagley
What is the best advice a coach has ever given you?
"Always have confidence in yourself. There's no reason not to when you're as good as you are."
OK now the lightning round:
Favorite quote.
Carpie Diem (Seize the day)
Bar-b-que or gumbo?
I definitely would say BBQ; I'm not a big fan of gumbo but my dad loves it.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Superman
Do you know how to cook?
I love to cook
Favorite movie and why.
I can't tell you how many movies I have seen in the past couple of years but my favorite would have to be The Di Vinci Code.
