Marianyela Jiménez

She started playing football at eight years old with an all-boys team because there was no girls’ team available at her academy.

Jiménez said playing with boys helped build her confidence and leadership skills, and she later became captain of the team.

She moved to the United States in 2021 to continue both her education and football career.

Jiménez received scholarship support through Deyna Castellanos’ Queen Deyna Program, which helps young women continue their academic and sporting careers abroad.

Before joining Florida State, Jiménez starred for William Carey University and was named NAIA Player of the Year in 2023.

After winning the NCAA title, she said: “This is what I wanted the whole five years I’ve been in the United States.”

Querétaro first contacted Jiménez while she was still in college, but she decided to continue her studies and transfer to Florida State before turning professional.

Jiménez said Mexico “has become my home” and specifically mentioned that she loves the people and the food.

Jiménez said that if she had not become a footballer, she would have liked to become a chef because she enjoys cooking.