New Mexico State University (NMSU) mourns the unexpected death of their 20-year-old soccer player which occurred on Monday, July 10. 

Thalia Chaverria, a defender for the Aggies women’s soccer team and rising junior, was discovered unresponsive at her New Mexico home and was declared dead by emergency services.

Having celebrated her 20th birthday on July 2nd, Chaverria was excitedly preparing for her junior year at NMSU and her third season with the Aggies.

On Tuesday, July 11, the University’s athletic director, Mario Moccia, issued a statement expressing his sorrow over Chaverria’s untimely death. He highlighted her vibrant personality and emphasized the deep sense of loss felt by the university community.

The circumstances surrounding Chaverria’s death are currently being investigated by the Las Cruces Police Department. According to local news, the law enforcement agency has reported no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances in relation to her death.

Chaverria’s passing has left a deep void in the closely bonded NMSU community. As a vital member of the women’s soccer team, she contributed significantly to securing the school’s first conference title, with three shutout victories in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament during her sophomore year. She was also the fourth highest in terms of playing time among her teammates last season.

NMSU’s head soccer coach, Rob Baarts, expressed his profound sadness over the sudden loss, describing Chaverria as an inspiration to the team. He assured that her spirit would continue to serve as a motivating force on and off the field.