Marianyela Jiménez
Marianyela Jiménez is a Venezuelan midfielder who has represented Venezuela at U17, U20 and senior international level and has won the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship with Florida State.
Queretaro
She started playing football at eight years old with an all-boys team because there was no girls’ team available at her academy.
Queretaro
Jiménez said playing with boys helped build her confidence and leadership skills, and she later became captain of the team.
Queretaro
She moved to the United States in 2021 to continue both her education and football career.
Queretaro
Jiménez received scholarship support through Deyna Castellanos’ Queen Deyna Program, which helps young women continue their academic and sporting careers abroad.
Queretaro
Before joining Florida State, Jiménez starred for William Carey University and was named NAIA Player of the Year in 2023.
Queretaro
After winning the NCAA title, she said: “This is what I wanted the whole five years I’ve been in the United States.”
Queretaro
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.
Queretaro
Jiménez said Mexico “has become my home” and specifically mentioned that she loves the people and the food.
Queretaro
Jiménez said that if she had not become a footballer, she would have liked to become a chef because she enjoys cooking.
Players with common traits like Marianyela.
