The Haddam-Killingworth boys’ soccer team is operating at its best when Jayden Zaitoun is pushing up the pitch on the attack. Jayden is a senior captain who suits up at the left back position for the Cougars.

Head Coach Mike Mead calls Jayden one of the fastest players in the Shoreline Conference. Coach Mead realizes the importance of the speedster’s presence on the team as the Cougars approach postseason play.

“Jayden typically plays left back for us, but we do our best to get him forward. It’s usually when we play our best. He’s a total workhorse getting up and down the field all game,” says Mead. “This year, Jayden has really brought a lot of passion and energy that the rest of the team feeds from. Without him, I think we would find ourselves in a completely different position that we are in right now—and that is a shot at states and a conference title.”

Jayden started playing soccer when he was nine. Jayden credits his father Ashraf for fostering his deep passion for the sport.

“My dad played soccer, and he’s definitely the one that got me hooked,” Jayden says. “Whenever we talked about soccer, he would always tell me stories about playing back in Egypt throughout his years growing up there.”

Jayden’s relationship with Coach Mead is another significant aspect of his progress. Mead’s constant support of Jayden has elevated him to new heights as a soccer player.

“My coach has really encouraged me to work hard and has helped me to build my confidence throughout my years playing at high school,” says Jayden. “He gives me great constructive criticism, and so I’m always growing my game sense and knowledge.”

H-K finished its regular season with a record of 7-8-1 this year. With the playoffs on the horizon, Jayden believes that the Cougars are set up well to defend their Shoreline Conference title.

“This year, we are striving for a good shot at the Shoreline Tournament,” Jayden says. “I feel that we have improved a lot from the beginning of the season and, although it was bumpy at times, our team chemistry grew a lot, and we learned to play to our strengths.”

Jayden works relentlessly to improve his game in practice and also on his own during the offseason. Jayden is his own biggest critic, because he always wants to come through for his club.

“I work on my weak touch during practices,” says Jayden. “Whenever I can, I juggle and use my non-dominant foot while practicing to make it stronger.”

In addition to his athletic endeavors, Jayden works hard to succeed academically at H-K. Jayden does a great job of balancing his responsibilities both on the field and in the classroom.

“I put a lot of effort into my academics as I am passionate about engineering and want to go to a good college,” Jayden. “I also love to do outside activities like hiking, swimming, and I play ultimate Frisbee with a group over the summer. Aside from soccer, I also play basketball and golf at school, but I play it much more casually than soccer.”