Get To Know: Hannah Jibril
March 08, 2025 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Spend a few minutes talking with Hannah Jibril and one thing becomes clear – she's a competitor.
That comes out on the pitch as well, but it may have been clearest on the tennis court. After all, she had to give up the sport in elementary school after she got so frustrated that she broke a racket. She was only 10 years old.
Jibril's competitive fire has carried over to a competitive club career and eventually a collegiate career that now spans two Power Four conferences. She joined the Bulldogs this spring from NC State where she played in the ACC, a conference that boasted five of the final eight teams in this year's NCAA Tournament bracket.
"My time at NC State has definitely made me a better player, but coming to Mississippi State, I believe I'll be more well-rounded," Jibril said. "I'm excited for that. The SEC is more transition-based and intense, while the ACC was more possession-based."
MSU head coach Nick Zimmerman had Jibril on his radar even before she played in Raleigh. He's been in contact with the rising junior since her junior year of high school. Zimmerman stayed in contact with her and helped mold her into the player she is today at various camps.
"What separates him from other coaches is that he is very straightforward and player development focused," Jibril said. "When I talked to him in high school, I would ask, 'What do you think I can do to get better?' He would say, 'I think you can do this, but honestly, this wasn't as good. I think you can do this to make sure it gets better.'"
It was Zimmerman's transparency that led to Jibril deciding that Mississippi State was where she wanted to be after she entered the portal this offseason. Although she came to State to compete, she is also here to have fun playing the game she grew up loving.
Jibril's playing style embodies the Mississippi State blue-collar mentality—aggressive and hard-working. Although she excels in the attacking third, she's willing to contribute wherever needed to help the Bulldogs succeed.
"As a forward, I enjoy getting on the ball and dribbling, but my main goal is to impact the game in any way possible. Whether that's defending, attacking, or shooting, I'm ready to do whatever it takes."
Her commitment to the team doesn't end once she comes off the field. She values the experience and camaraderie that comes with being a part of the Bulldog family.
"I'm looking forward to doing whatever I can for the team," she said. "Honestly, I'm here to enjoy soccer and have fun with the girls, and I'm just excited to be a part of the family. I'm excited to be here."
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."
That comes out on the pitch as well, but it may have been clearest on the tennis court. After all, she had to give up the sport in elementary school after she got so frustrated that she broke a racket. She was only 10 years old.
Jibril's competitive fire has carried over to a competitive club career and eventually a collegiate career that now spans two Power Four conferences. She joined the Bulldogs this spring from NC State where she played in the ACC, a conference that boasted five of the final eight teams in this year's NCAA Tournament bracket.
"My time at NC State has definitely made me a better player, but coming to Mississippi State, I believe I'll be more well-rounded," Jibril said. "I'm excited for that. The SEC is more transition-based and intense, while the ACC was more possession-based."
MSU head coach Nick Zimmerman had Jibril on his radar even before she played in Raleigh. He's been in contact with the rising junior since her junior year of high school. Zimmerman stayed in contact with her and helped mold her into the player she is today at various camps.
"What separates him from other coaches is that he is very straightforward and player development focused," Jibril said. "When I talked to him in high school, I would ask, 'What do you think I can do to get better?' He would say, 'I think you can do this, but honestly, this wasn't as good. I think you can do this to make sure it gets better.'"
It was Zimmerman's transparency that led to Jibril deciding that Mississippi State was where she wanted to be after she entered the portal this offseason. Although she came to State to compete, she is also here to have fun playing the game she grew up loving.
Jibril's playing style embodies the Mississippi State blue-collar mentality—aggressive and hard-working. Although she excels in the attacking third, she's willing to contribute wherever needed to help the Bulldogs succeed.
"As a forward, I enjoy getting on the ball and dribbling, but my main goal is to impact the game in any way possible. Whether that's defending, attacking, or shooting, I'm ready to do whatever it takes."
Her commitment to the team doesn't end once she comes off the field. She values the experience and camaraderie that comes with being a part of the Bulldog family.
"I'm looking forward to doing whatever I can for the team," she said. "Honestly, I'm here to enjoy soccer and have fun with the girls, and I'm just excited to be a part of the family. I'm excited to be here."
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSOC."
Players Mentioned
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