Coach praises Hibbert for ‘big-picture mindset’

JAYDON HIBBERT’S decision to become a professional and give up his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility is fully supported by his coach, Travis Geopfert.

“I’m really happy for Jaydon, obviously a terrific opportunity for him and I’m also appreciative and proud of him. His communication with me through the process was a big deal and something I personally appreciate,” said Geopfert.

But even more important for Geopfert is the fact that Hibbert will be continuing his education despite not turning out for the Arkansas Razorbacks anymore.

“Also proud of the fact that he is committed to his degree and finishing school. It’s just a really big deal, you know, for a young man, just turned 19 years old, to have that big-picture mindset and understanding the appreciation for what an education can do for him for the rest of his life,” said Geopfert.

A key factor in the decision by the triple jump crown prince to go professional was his exemplary 2023 season.

Speaking on Sunday, the 19-year-old Hibbert said his accomplishments told him he was ready.

The 2022 World Under-20 champion made his decision known via social media and later explained, “I looked back at the season and personally even if I’d stayed back in school and still competed for the Razorbacks, I didn’t know if I’d be just as happy, or excited to compete given that I kind of accomplished everything. But I was still considering it but there was just this thing telling me ‘Hibbie, you’re ready for the next level’.”

In 2023, his first season with the University of Arkansas, Hibbert won both the NCAA indoor and outdoor triple jump competition, setting a world under-20 record – 17.54 metres – indoors and advancing to 17.87 metres outdoors before the NCAA Championships. In addition, in his only competition on the Diamond League circuit, he lost narrowly to Fabrice Zango of Burkino Faso in Monaco.

After winning the Jamaican national title, the former Kingston College star led all qualifiers at the Budapest World Championships with a leap taped at 17.70 metres. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury during his first jump in the final, which Zango won with 17.67 metres.

GROUNDED

“I’m feeling really comfortable about my decision,” he underlined, “mostly because I’m still going to be in classes, keeping me grounded in that sense. Firstly, I’m going to go to in-person classes, to walk to class like any other, you know, just be a normal kid even though I’m a pro athlete right now,” said Hibbert.

Nevertheless, he’s looking forward to competing as a pro.

“Like maybe my first meet will be the one that, you know, really strikes that I’m really a professional now but, like, I’m just happy,” he grinned.

There was a lot to consider before Hibbert made the big decision.

“Obviously, me and coach narrowed it down and mostly just weighing our options, you know, what the best deal was. Coach said, ‘‘Hibbie’, if it’s not life-changing, it doesn’t make sense’,” the jumper recounted.

“I just thank him [Geopfert] for guiding me throughout this, but it was just mainly weighing the options. Yes, it was tough, but I think I made the right decision,” said Hibbert.