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New Mexico State mourns 'sudden' death of soccer player
New Mexico State University created this graphic when announcing soccer player Thalia Chaverria’s death.
LAS CRUCES — Thalia Chaverria, a rising junior soccer player at New Mexico State University, died “suddenly” on Monday morning, the school said Tuesday.
NMSU gave no other details other than that she died in Las Cruces. The Sun-News reported an autopsy is pending and that her family on Tuesday started a GoFundMe page.
A defender from Bakersfield, Calif., Chaverria had turned 20 on July 2 and was entering her third season with the Aggie program.
“The sudden loss of Thalia has completely rocked our Aggie soccer families’ world,” NMSU coach Rob Baarts said in a statement provided by the school. “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!”
“Yesterday, we lost an amazing young woman, and we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a member of our Aggie family,” NMSU athletic director Mario Moccia said in the same statement. “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.
“The New Mexico State community is very tight-knit, and this tragedy is felt throughout.”
NMSU said grief counselors will be available to its athletes through the Aggie Health and Wellness Center.
Chaverrria had 20 starts and two assists during NMSU’s 13-5-3 season in 2022, which included a Western Athletic Conference tournament championship and first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
