Hunter Jumper Explained

Hunter Jumper
Birth Date:28 February 1989
Birth Place:Plano, Texas, United States
Height:6 ft 2 in
Position:Defender
Youthyears1:–2008
Youthclubs1:Solar SC
Collegeyears1:2008–2011
College1:Virginia Cavaliers
Collegecaps1:79
Collegegoals1:5
Years1:2012–2014
Clubs1:Chicago Fire
Caps1:7
Goals1:1
Years2:2021–2022
Clubs2:Georgia Storm FC
Caps2:6
Goals2:0
Nationalyears1:2007
Nationalteam1:United States U18
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:January 4, 2021
Nationalteam-Update:April 2, 2012

Hunter Jumper (born February 28, 1989) is an American soccer player who last played as a defender for National Premier Soccer League club Georgia Storm.

College career

Jumper played his collegiate career at Virginia. During his four years with the Cavaliers, he was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Tournament team three times.[1]

Professional career

Chicago Fire

Jumper was selected with the 28th pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire.[2] After taking part in preseason, he officially signed for the club on March 6.[3] Jumper made his club and professional debut on March 17, coming on as a 68th-minute substitution in a 1–1 draw against Montreal Impact.[4] His lone professional goal came on August 23, 2013, helping the fire defeat Sporting Kansas City by a 1–0 scoreline.[5]

At the beginning of the 2014 season, Jumper was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. After undergoing treatment at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital, he was denied medical clearance to play sports and was forced to retire as a professional player.[6] The Fire officially declined his contract option on November 18, ending his time with the club after eight appearances and one goal in all competitions.[7] [8]

Retirement and comeback

Following his retirement, Jumper returned to the University of Virginia to complete his bachelor's degree, "went into finance, got a master's degree, and started writing for a sports analytics company."[6] He stayed active in soccer, spending the 2014 collegiate season as a graduate assistant coach at Virginia and criticizing the coaches, owner, and club culture of the Fire on Twitter.[9] In 2020, Jumper received medical clearance to begin playing soccer again.[6] He made his return to the sport on January 4, 2021, signing for National Premier Soccer League expansion club Georgia Storm after going through the club's tryout process. He became the first senior-level signing in club history.[10]

International career

Jumper made one appearance for the United States under-18 national team.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Honors & Awards. Virginia Cavaliers. University of Virginia. February 2, 2021.
  2. News: Leung. Brian. 2012 MLS SuperDraft Results: Hunter Jumper to Chicago Fire, Brian Ownby goes undrafted. Streaking the Lawn. SB Nation. February 2, 2021. January 12, 2012.
  3. News: Fire signs MLS draft pick Hunter Jumper. Daily Herald. Paddock Publications. February 2, 2021. March 7, 2012. subscription.
  4. News: Thornton. Tweed. Chicago Fire vs. Montreal Impact - Quotes, highlights, box score. Hot Time in Old Town. SB Nation. February 2, 2021. March 18, 2012.
  5. News: Farley. Richard. Hunter Jumper's first career goal lifts Chicago past Sporting KC. NBC Sports. NBC Sports Group. February 2, 2021. August 24, 2013.
  6. News: Ferree. Ben. Former Chicago Fire standout Hunter Jumper begins comeback at the Georgia Storm. National Premier Soccer League. February 2, 2021. January 25, 2021.
  7. News: Chicago Fire Communications. Chicago Fire Exercise Contract Options On Six Players. Chicago Fire Soccer Club. Major League Soccer. February 2, 2021. November 18, 2014.
  8. Web site: Hunter Jumper – Chicago Fire player registry. Chicago Fire FC. Major League Soccer. February 2, 2021.
  9. News: Whiting. Jeremy. Ex-Player Slams Chicago Fire on Twitter. Last Word On Sports. February 2, 2021. September 14, 2015.
  10. News: Storm signs first player to inaugural season roster. Georgia Storm. February 2, 2021.