The New Mexico University is mourning the death of their best soccer player who passed on July 10.
Thalia Chaverria, 20, was a gifted defender for the Aggies women’s soccer team and third-year student at the University.
She was pivotal in her team’s historic journey to their first conference title in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament during her sophomore year.
Amongst her teammates, she was one of the most active on the field, with the fourth-highest playing time in the previous season.
On July 10, emergency services were called to her residence in New Mexico, where she was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Just eight days before the incident, the promising defender had celebrated her 20th birthday and was preparing for her junior year at NMSU and her third season with the Aggies.
Mario Moccia, the athletic director at the University, paid tribute to her in a statement on July 11. Remembering her for her lively personality, he emphasized the profound impact her loss has had on the university community. Meanwhile, the Las Cruces Police Department is investigating the circumstances of her passing. Early reports from local media suggest no signs of foul play or other suspicious circumstances.
Rob Baarts, the head soccer coach at NMSU, expressed his distress over her untimely departure, labeling her as an inspirational figure whose spirit would continue to drive the team both on and off the field.
In an effort to aid with the expenses of transporting her remains from New Mexico to Bakersfield, California, her home city, friends of the family have begun a GoFundMe campaign. She leaves behind a legacy as a beloved sister, daughter, and pet enthusiast.