During the offseason, Stormers Basketball Coach Randy Casey and Assistant Coach Travis Mrozek spent their summer analyzing stats and watching game film to look for a key player for the upcoming season. One standout was Jayden Hackett, who played for Delta College in University Center, Michigan.
Who is Jayden Hackett?
Hackett is a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, who is making a mark on and off the court. He is currently studying Business Management here at MATC and envisions opening his own gym where he can train and coach young athletes.
“I want to help younger players develop their game while also running a business that reflects my passion for basketball and overall,” he said. Besides his athletic and career goals, Hackett expresses his commitment to staying disciplined, staying spiritually focused and trusting in God through every step of his path.
During the offseason, Hackett says he values quality time with his family and girlfriend. “The season can only get really busy, so I like using that time to relax and be around the people I love,” he said. Hackett adds that surrounding himself with loved ones keeps him grounded and serves as a daily reminder of why he works so hard.
For most student-athletes, juggling academics and athletics can be a challenge, but for Hackett, it’s about creating a schedule. “I usually start my day with a workout, then head over to class,” he said. After class, he attends team practice, then another gym session and heads to work. But no matter how busy his schedule is, Hackett makes sure his schoolwork is finished first.
A Mother’s Inspiration & Self-Reflection
We all have purpose or inspiration that guides us to the paths we choose in life. For Hackett, his inspiration is his from his late mother who passed away when he was 15-years-old. “She always believed in me no matter what,” he says.
Even though she’s not here physically, Hackett expresses that he feels her presence every time he steps on the court. He says his mother pushes him to be his best, stay humble, and make the most of every opportunity. “Playing this game is one of the ways I honor her,” he said.
Hackett takes a moment to reflect on his journey and with all of the accomplishments he has achieved. There are some things that he would like to tell his younger self. “I would tell my younger self to continue to stay disciplined and to keep your trust in God.”
He says there will be times where his younger self might not understand now, but it’ll all make sense in the end. Hackett mentions a scripture from the book of John 13:7 “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” This verse has always reminds him to be patient and keep faith through the process.
Opening a New Chapter with the Stormers
When Hackett learned he was moving to Milwaukee to play for the Stormers, he says he felt both excited and motivated. “Caoch Casey’s coaching style is what stood out to me,” he said. He praised Casey’s leadership, calling the opportunity to play under one of the top junior college coaches in the country is the best decision he made as a transfer.
“I knew it was a big opportunity to take the next step in my basketball career,” he added. He credits Delta college for helping him grow tremendously, not just as a player but as a person. He feels prepared for the upcoming season and says the fast-paced environment in Milwaukee aligns with his style of play.
Before stepping onto the court, whether for practice or a big game, Hackett takes time to listen to music and pray. “Speaking with God is really important to me, it’s my way of knowing he’s with me wherever I go,” he says.
Attending the All-American JUCO Event
Being invited to the All-American Junior College ( JUCO) event was an unforgettable experience for Hackett, with over 300 Division I and II college coaches in attendance. The showcase featured the top 200 players from across the country and Hackett was one of them.
“I wanted to show that I belonged with the best,” he said. Once the game started, Hackett was only focused on being efficient, making shots, defending hard and hustling every possession. “I ended up performing really well and made the top 20 All-Star game, which meant a lot to me,” Hackett said.
Hackett’s advice to the incoming freshmen is to work hard at all times, and the more you work hard the more confident you’ll be on the court. “You can’t fake preparation, when you’ve really put in the time, you play with a different level of confidence and composure,” he said. Hackett continued that good and bad things will happen, however “If you stay consistent and show up everyday, you will end up reaching your goals,” he said.
