The group of 14-year-old girls that make up Waza FC are still letting it all sink it.
“It was amazing. We won in a P.K. shootout so that just built a lot of tension and we freaked out. It was amazing,” says Lauren Fleming.
“We were really excited. Some of us started crying. It was definitely breathtaking and very exciting,” says midfielder Caylee Ludwig.
For the first time in their short soccer careers they’ve earned a chance to play for a national title.
“Now we’re one of right teams in the country that gets to go to this. It’s pretty amazing,” says Fleming.
Next week they’ll travel to Frisco, Texas for the youth soccer national championships. The trip extends their last season together and their final season with their coach Peter Langens.
“It’s a great accomplishment to be going to the last eight in the nation. Because the hard work paid off,” says Langens.
Waza FC has had a great deal of success this season. They are quick to credit their unity and ability to play together as a team.
“We’re all basically one big family,” says Ludwig.
“There is not really a starting a 11 and then the rest are subs. I try to as much as possible rotating with players so that everybody feels important on the team,” explains Coach Langens.
According to the girls, it’s that togetherness that gives them a legitimate chance to win it all.
“I’m pretty confident because we play so well together and we’re all basically best friends,” says Fleming.
“Our last game will be together in Texas, so we want to go out on a positive note by winning a championship,” says goalkeeper Emily Brown.
The team leaves for Texas next week, with games starting in July 25.
