New Mexico State soccer player Thalia Chaverria dead at 20

Sad news out of New Mexico State. This week, the school announced the death of female soccer player Thalia Chaverria, a rising junior from Bakersfield, California. Here was their press release of the news:

“NM State is mourning the loss of Thalia Chaverria, a junior soccer player from Bakersfield, Calif., who passed away suddenly on Monday morning. Thalia turned 20 on July 2 and was entering her third season with the Aggie program.”

The release also included a brief statement from women’s soccer coach Rob Baarts, who shared the following comments on the tragic news:

“The sudden loss of Thalia has completely rocked our Aggie soccer families’ world. T was an inspiration and rock to this team. She will be missed but not forgotten. Her spirit will be with us everyday, on and off the pitch. I will always love you T!”

NMSU athletic director Mario Moccia also commented on Chaverria’s passing. Here was what he said:

“Yesterday, we lost an amazing young woman, and we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a member of our Aggie family. Thalia had a vibrant personality and those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her knew she had a bright future ahead of her.”

Lastly, New Mexico State gave the following message to its community amid such a tough story:

“The New Mexico State community is very tight-knit, and this tragedy is felt throughout. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Thalia’s family and friends in this time of mourning.

“Grief counselors will be available to our student-athletes through the Aggie Health and Wellness Center to assist them in dealing with this tragedy. Our condolences go out to Thalia’s family, friends and teammates as they grieve through this challenging time.”

In her last days as an actual player, Chaverria was a crucial piece for the Aggies, even as just a sophomore. She consistently started and played nearly every minute of the season for New Mexico State. Here were some of the highlights of her final year, as detailed on the NMSU athletics page:

“Played a pivotal role in the Aggies back line throughout the season…  Started 20 games for the NM State, totaling 1,787 minutes – the fourth  most on the team… Played all 90 minutes in all but two games this season, including 110 minutes in the WAC Tournament Quarterfinal versus California Baptist (11/2)… Put up three shots on the year and recorded two assists… Notched her first career assist in a road match against Texas A&M (8/27)… Netted another assist on the road against Utah Tech (10/9)…Helped the team to it’s first Conference title in school history after three shutout victories in the WAC Tournament.”