Bay Area teen chosen for U18 training camp

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The journey to playing in a World Cup is a long one, but for players, that dream begins with national team training camps.

Land O' Lakes senior Sydny Nasello may now be on the road to her dreams after being invited to the U18 camp last year outside of San Diego. 

Photos courtesy USSoccer.com.

"It's the elite training center, for the Olympics and Paralympics," she explained. 

Playing alongside some of the best in her age group, the 17-year-old practiced in front of national team coaches.  

"Honestly, kind of nerve-racking, but also surreal because it's my dream, and you know, it's just the next step in the process to achieving it," Sydny said.  

The camp invitation was an opportunity that could lead to a roster spot on the U20 World Cup team in two years. 

"You know, an opportunity that doesn't come across to many people," said Land O' Lakes girls soccer coach Vicky King. "She had a great showing." 

A call back could lead to another invitation to a camp in southern California, or overseas in Switzerland or Spain later this year. 

"That's basically our practice together and the World Cup is in two years, so they're going to pick the best of the best from the camps," Sydny explained. 

It's a start to fulfilling a lifelong dream: Playing on the U.S. Women's National Team. 

"I mean, as it would feel for anybody that gets this opportunity, it's crazy," said Sydny. "It's something you dream about ever since you were little, wanting to be the next Alex Morgan, and now it's like, possible."

A goal that's certainly within reach.