From Chilean soccer to a U.S. seminary

Chase Hilgenbrinck announced his retirement from soccer.

Admittedly he’s not a big name player as he decided to leave the reserve squad of MLS side New England Revolution after a mere four games with the team. Yet Hilgenbrinck’s decision to retire at the age of 26 was so he could train for the priesthood. “I know that I am moving on to something much greater” said the former defender who will now attend a Catholic seminary in Maryland.

Hilgenbrinck has been no stranger to make such major decisions; after gradating from college and not getting any offers in the U.S., Hilgenbrinck decided to ply his trade far away from home:

(…) A Chilean coach, Claudio Aureas, opened the door for Hilgenbrinck's move 10,000 miles, or 16,000 kilometers, to try his luck in another culture.

On trial with Huachipato, then loaned out to a second-division team, Naval, he was drawn to local Catholic churches. It felt as natural as attending Sunday class at Holy Trinity as a boy. Eventually, he settled at Ñublense, a team he helped get promotion to the top league in Chile. He turned down offers to move closer to Santiago because he felt committed and comfortable with Ñublense.

From the soccer pitch to the church altar; it’s been quite a journey for Chase Hilgenbrinck.

Image- Diario La Discusion (Chase Hilgenbrinck during his days playing for Ñublense)

Sources- Reuters UK, International Herald Tribune, USA TODAY