The rise of soccer siblings in the international arena is always a captivating story, and as of December 15, 2025, one name is generating significant buzz: Kennedy Herrera. While her brother, Aaron Herrera, has established himself as a prominent defender in Major League Soccer (MLS) and for the Guatemala Men’s National Team, Kennedy is swiftly carving out her own impressive path as a key player for the Selección de Guatemala Femenina.
This article delves deep into the life and career of Kennedy Herrera, moving beyond her famous familial connection. From her roots in New Mexico to her collegiate success and her commitment to representing Guatemala on the global stage, Kennedy's journey is a powerful testament to dedication and athletic prowess, making her one of the most exciting young defenders to watch in CONCACAF.
Kennedy Herrera: Full Biography and Profile
Kennedy Herrera, the sister of MLS star Aaron Herrera, is a rising figure in both collegiate and international women's soccer. Her career trajectory mirrors her brother's commitment to representing the Guatemalan national colors, establishing a powerful legacy for the Herrera family in the sport.
- Full Name: Kennedy Herrera
- Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
- High School: Centennial High School (Las Cruces, NM)
- Current College: New Mexico State University (NMSU)
- College Class Status: Junior (as of the 2025 season)
- Club Team: New Mexico State Aggies Women's Soccer (Crimson & White)
- Primary Position: Defender (D)
- Height: 5'8"
- National Team: Guatemala Women's National Team (Selección Femenina)
- Sibling: Aaron Herrera (MLS Player for DC United, Guatemala Men's National Team)
Kennedy’s foundation in soccer was built in her hometown of Las Cruces, where she excelled as a versatile defender and midfielder at Centennial High School. Her defensive skills and on-field leadership quickly caught the attention of collegiate recruiters, leading her to commit to the New Mexico State Aggies, a strong NCAA Division I program.
The Collegiate Career: New Mexico State Aggies
Kennedy Herrera's transition to NCAA Division I soccer has been a period of consistent growth and development. Playing for the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Aggies, she has been an integral part of the team's defensive unit, bringing a combination of physical presence and tactical intelligence to the back line.
Her freshman year in 2023 marked her official debut in the collegiate circuit. Kennedy made appearances in five games, demonstrating her ability to adapt to the high-intensity level of college soccer. Her defensive reliability was evident in these early matches, with one game seeing her log a career-best 55 minutes on the field. This early experience provided a crucial foundation for her continued development as a defender.
As a defender, Kennedy is known for her disciplined positioning, strong aerial ability, and her capacity to initiate counter-attacks with accurate long passes. Her 5'8" frame gives her an advantage in winning contested headers, a vital skill against aggressive opposing offenses. Her time with the Aggies has been essential in honing the skills necessary for international play, particularly the speed and structure required at the highest levels of the sport.
The NMSU Aggies program has provided a perfect environment for Kennedy to refine her game. The consistent training regimen and competitive conference schedule ensure she remains sharp, a factor that directly benefits her performance with the Guatemala National Team. Her commitment to her college team remains a priority even as her international profile continues to grow.
International Call-Up: Representing the Selección Femenina
The most significant chapter in Kennedy Herrera's young career is her commitment to the Guatemala Women's National Team. Following in the footsteps of her brother, Aaron Herrera, who plays for the men's team, Kennedy accepted a call-up to the Selección de Guatemala Femenina (the Women’s National Team), a decision that has generated excitement among Guatemalan soccer fans.
The news of her commitment was a major headline, signaling a new era of dual-citizen talent joining the women's program. Her debut and initial training sessions were highly anticipated events, with media outlets covering her first practices in Guatemala. This move underscores a growing trend of Guatemalan-American players choosing to represent the Central American nation, boosting the quality and competitiveness of the national teams.
Kennedy's role in the national team is pivotal. As a defender, she provides much-needed stability and organization to the back four. Her presence is particularly valuable in major tournaments and qualifiers, where defensive fortitude is paramount. She has been listed on the roster for international friendly matches, including a notable game against Chile, where the team gained valuable experience against tough South American competition.
Her commitment to the Selección Femenina is not just a personal athletic pursuit; it’s a passionate connection to her heritage. The emotional investment of the Herrera family in Guatemalan soccer was highlighted during the recent Copa Oro (Gold Cup) 2025 classification matches, where Kennedy was seen reacting with intense emotion, reflecting the deep pride she shares with her brother for the country's soccer success.
The Herrera Sibling Legacy: A Unique Soccer Story
The story of Aaron and Kennedy Herrera playing for the respective men's and women's national teams of Guatemala is a rare and compelling narrative in international soccer. This dual representation creates a powerful legacy for the Herrera family and serves as a point of national pride for Guatemalan soccer supporters worldwide.
Aaron Herrera, a seasoned defender for DC United in the MLS, has been a stalwart for the Guatemala Men’s National Team. His success paved the way and set a high standard for his younger sister. The shared experience of representing the same country, wearing the same national colors, is a unique bond that few siblings can claim. This connection immediately elevates Kennedy’s profile, but she is quickly proving that her selection is based entirely on merit and skill.
The siblings' parallel careers—both defenders, both playing at a high level in the United States (MLS and NCAA Division I), and both choosing to represent Guatemala—make them a celebrated duo. They embody the diaspora talent pool that is increasingly crucial for national teams globally. Their story inspires young athletes with Guatemalan roots in the United States to connect with their heritage through sport.
This sibling dynamic also generates significant media attention, which benefits both the men's and women's programs. Fans who follow Aaron's career are naturally drawn to Kennedy's, thereby increasing the visibility and support for the Selección Femenina, a vital step for the growth of women's soccer in the region.
Future Outlook and Impact on Guatemalan Soccer
As Kennedy Herrera progresses into her junior year at NMSU and continues to gain experience with the Guatemala Women's National Team, her future in the sport looks exceptionally bright. Her collegiate career is a proving ground, preparing her for the intensity of professional soccer, whether in the NWSL or another top league globally.
For the Guatemalan national team, players like Kennedy are the key to long-term success. The integration of high-level college athletes from the US system brings a professional mindset, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning that elevates the entire squad. Her continued participation is crucial as Guatemala aims for qualification in major tournaments, including future iterations of the Gold Cup and the Women's World Cup qualifiers.
Kennedy Herrera is more than just "Aaron Herrera's sister"; she is a formidable defender in her own right, a dedicated college athlete, and a proud representative of Guatemala. Her journey from Las Cruces to the international stage is a compelling saga of talent, heritage, and the shared passion that runs deep within the Herrera family.
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