Jumper Selected 28th Overall by Chicago Fire in MLS SuperDraft

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia defender Hunter Jumper (Sr., Plano, Texas) was selected by the Chicago Fire Thursday in the second round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, held in Kansas City, Mo. Jumper was picked with the 28th overall selection and the ninth in the second round.

“I’m super excited and extremely blessed to have the opportunity to play for such an incredible organization in one of the coolest cities in the world,” Jumper said. “I was hoping to be in the first round, but everything happens for a reason. I now get to play with my old friends and teammates Corben (Bone) and Jalil (Anibaba). Most importantly, though, I want to thank my teammates and coaches from UVa. Never have I felt more welcomed and at home than at Virginia. I hope I continue to progress, so I can make them proud.”

Jumper started 17 games this season and finished his UVa career with 79 starts. He started 15 of his 17 games this year at left back, scoring a pair of goals and adding four assists.

Jumper was a 2011 NSCAA Second Team All-Region selection. He was named to Capital One Academic All-District First Team in 2011 and earned a spot on the ACC All-Tournament Team for the third straight year. Jumper also is a three-time All-ACC Academic Team selection and this year was one of 30 nominees for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for men’s soccer.

Prior to his time at Virginia, Jumper played for the U.S. U-17 and U-18 national teams.

“We are very happy for Hunter,” UVa head coach George Gelnovatch said. “He is another student-athlete in our program that has worked very hard to earn this great opportunity. Not only is Hunter a talented soccer player, but we are equally proud of how he performed in the classroom. We wish him all the best.”

Jumper becomes the 43rd former Cavalier to move on to play in MLS. UVa ranks second to UCLA in producing the most MLS players all-time.