NAOTB: Hayden Wilson

Each week, 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.

This week, we chatted with Hayden Wilson. The 2024 WCC All-Freshman Team defender arrives in Aggieland from Rancho Cucamonga, California by way of Oregon State.

The Aggies are going to have a whole new back line for 2025. What can fans expect from this new group?

I think the first thing is just effort. It's going to be loud on the field with a lot of communicating. It's going to be pretty physical and quick to shut down the ball.

As a defensive unit, what have the coaches been working on with you early in the spring practices?

We've been working a lot on our shape and how we shift together and making sure it's all as a unit. We are also making sure everything we do is with pace and with intention. And then just communicating a lot.

As an individual player, what have the coaches been emphasizing with you?

We are working a lot on 1-v-1 defending and bringing it down to the smallest details and tactics. That's kind of the main thing I want to work on.

What would you say are the strengths you bring to the team?

I'd say I'm pretty fast and physical. I'm also ultra-competitve and willing to go all-in. I use my speed to get advantages on my opponents. I'm pretty aggressive and my goal is to get the ball back and keep possession with us. I'd say I'm calm and I use my height to my advantage. I try to use my strength to push people off the ball.

As a defender do you like to play inside as a center back or do you prefer the outside?

I've grown up always playing kind of a central position. But more recently, I've been moved outside to utilize my speed and get more involved with the attack. One of the things A&M likes to do is bring the outside backs into the attack

What went into the decision to transfer?

I just wanted to play at one of the highest levels of Division I soccer and be a part of a winning program. I wanted to be around people that want to compete and win all the time.

Prior to entering the portal, what did you know about Texas A&M?

I knew that they win a lot. I knew that the culture at this school is insane and it's known as a cult from the outside. Now that I'm here, I love it.

What was the sales pitch that got you to come to Texas A&M?

Again, I loved the culture. And the coaches are amazing. The girls are very welcoming and I heard nothing but good things about the school. And when I got on campus it was unreal. This place is huge.

A couple months into it, what are your thoughts on Aggieland?

It's pretty cool. I mean, I've never seen spirit like this at any other place. I think it's really special. I love it personally so, I'm excited.

Back in the 2010s when Aggie soccer was really rolling, winning SEC Doubles and going to the College Cup there was a substantial California presence on the team. We're starting to see the California presence grow again. What makes California players special?

I think there's so much soccer in California and there's so many amazing players, so you're always going to be tested by some of the best. It's a different style of play, too. So that helps bring diversity to the way the team can play.

You played a lot of competitive golf. What would you say your most memorable round was?

I won a few tournaments when I was younger, but I'd have to say the round where I had my very first eagle. That was something I'll never forget. It was really fun, but ultimabely soccer was it for me.

Have you gotten to play a round at Traditions Club?

No. Not yet. It's been all soccer and school, but hopefully I will one day. 

Currently who is your favorite musician or band and why?

Right now it's the Turnpike Troubadors. I've been listening to country music for awhile. And coming here, where it's everywhere, I've been loving it. I haven't seen them live yet, but they are on the top of my concert list.
 

How excited are you to play in front of the 12th Man?

I'm so excited. I cannot wait. 

I'll be totally honest with you. The first time I step on Ellis Field for a match I'll be totally freaking out. It's one of the nicest college fields I've ever seen and I've heard the fans are insane. So my heart will be beating fast.

What are you majoring in and what do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?

I'm a biomedical science major, so I'm hoping to get into sports medicine wherever that takes me. I'm not sure if that's medical school or PT school or athletic training, but we'll see where soccer takes me.