A Guatemalan women’s national team star player, Marisol Stosich Mena, has decided to put her soccer career on hold to pursue religious interests.

Born in Utah and raised in Idaho with strong Guatemalan roots on her mother’s side, Stosich burst into the spotlight and committed to play NCAA Division I soccer with Utah Valley University.

The young forward’s decision to pause active football for a year and a half has stunned fans in Central America and the NCAA Division as well.

Marisol confirmed on her social media accounts, choosing to profess her faith publicly by her intention to serve an 18-month mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The environment surrounding the Guatemala National Team and the coaching staff at Utah Valley University have expressed their respect for the athlete’s personal choice.

It is expected that, after completing the 18 months of religious service, Marisol Stosich will return to competitive soccer to continue her development in NCAA soccer and the Guatemala Women’s National Team.