MTZ’s Hayden Shumaker to play college soccer at Illinois Wesleyan

Hayden Shumaker surrounded by his parents, brother and Coach Crawford and Coach Weirman after he singed his letter of intent to play college soccer at Illinois Wesleyan University.

By BLAKE FAITH
Staff Writer

Mt. Zion boys soccer graduate Hayden Shumaker signed his letter of intent to play college soccer at Illinois Wesleyan University.

“I chose Illinois Wesleyan because it’s close to home and my brother is there already,” Shumaker said. “So I already know guys on the team and I have a connection with a lot of them. It just felt right.”

Shimaker barely played his sophomore year due to an injury but Shumaker broke the single season assist record in his junior year with 27, holds the single season points record with 82 and was instrumental to the Braves offense whether passing or putting goals in the back of the net.

“Unfortunately Hayden was only able to play for me for 3 years because of a hip injury,” Head Coach Scott Crawford said. Hayden has grown into a leader on and off the field. Works hard in the classroom and works hard on the field. Hayden is just a fun person to have around. Very passionate about the game of soccer.”

Shumaker will take being a good teammate from Mt. Zion and hope to implement at the next level and hopes to help out others and push them to become better.

Shumaker’s academic goal for his freshman year is to hold a 4.0 GPA and athletically wants to play and contribute. Shumaker will major in Computer Science.

Coach Crawford’s last words of advice to Shumaker is “to keep working hard and enjoy every minute of his college experience.”

Shumaker will always cherish the bonds and friendships he made at Mt. Zion.

“I am going to miss the guys on the team and especially the seniors that I’ve gone to school with for all these years,” Shumaker said.