From being a promise in the United States youth team to retiring to be a priest: what is the story of Chase Hilgenbrinck?

It’s funny how life can turn diametrically when a person feels the call of God, and Chase Hilgenbrinck is living proof of that. This former American soccer player left a promising career in the soccer to dedicate himself completely to the priesthood, a decision that surprised many and marked his path in a unique way.

At 26 years old, just when other footballers are at the peak of their careers, the promising athlete hung up his boots to respond to his religious vocation. His story is an inspiring mix of sporting success and spiritual devotion, which began on the fields and ended at the altar.

Chase Hilgenbrinck’s career as a footballer

Since childhood, the American showed a natural talent for soccer, growing up in a Catholic family in Quincy, Illinois. His love for sports accompanied him during his childhood and adolescence, leading him to play at the youth level in USA. He was part of the under-17 team, where he shared the defensive backline with figures such as Oguchi Onyewu, a future emblem of American soccer.

This approach to competitive football also led him to stand out in his university life, studying at the Clemson Universitywhere he continued to hone his soccer skills. However, his career took a leap when he met a Chilean coach who invited him to try his luck in soccer. Chiliopening a door that would change his life.

In 2005, Huachipato It was the first professional team in which he played, a club where he received the nickname “Gringo” and began to become familiar with local soccer. Although he did not have many opportunities there, this first step paved the way for him to be transferred to Navala team where he consolidated his role as a central defender.

After an outstanding season at this club, the team Ñublense signed him to be part of the squad that sought to promote to the First Division of Chilean football. It was in Chillan where he won the affection of the fans and lived memorable moments with figures like Manuel Villalobos and Mauricio Ariasfinally reaching promotion and leaving a mark on the team.

His performance attracted attention in his country, and in 2008 he had a brief stint in the Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Colorado Rapids and the New England Revolutionexperiences that would mark his farewell to the playing fields.

What was Chase Hilgenbrinck’s retirement like?

In the midst of his football career, Chase Hilgenbrinck felt a spiritual calling that he could not ignore. Determined to dedicate his life to the priesthood, he made the brave decision to retire from sports to enter a seminary at the Mount St. Mary’s Universityin Emmitsburg. There he began his preparation to fulfill his new dream: serving God as a priest.

His current life is a reflection of that dedication. Hilgenbrinck, now a priest in Illinois, committed himself to helping his community through his religious work, officiating at baptisms, weddings and other ceremonies, as well as maintaining his connection to football through sports programs organized by the Church.