How important is soccer in the greater scheme of things? Sometimes external events cause both players and fans to adopt a more rational perspective on the relative importance of the game, a transitory state that usually lasts until the next kick-off. New England Revolution defender Chase Hilgenbrinck, however, has taken a more long-term view and has given up pro soccer in order to become a priest.
“I felt called to something greater,” Hilgenbrinck, 26, told Jimmy Golen. “At one time I thought that call might be professional soccer. In the past few years, I found my soul is hungry for something else. I discerned, through prayer, that it was calling me to the Catholic Church. I do not want this call to pass me by.”
Hilgenbrinck will enter a seminary and spend the next six years studying theology and philosophy so he can be ordained as a Roman Catholic priest. “It’s not that I’m ready to leave soccer. I still have a great passion for the game. I wouldn’t leave the game for just any other job. I’m moving on for the Lord. I want to do the will of the Lord, I want to do what he wants for me, not what I want to do for myself.” Hilgenbrinck has played six games for the Revs this season in all competitions following a four-year spell in the Chilean league. Forward Kheli Dube was promoted to the senior roster.