CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It was 92 degrees on a Deerfield soccer field on Wednesday, as four young women were getting in their last practices before heading to the World Cup of Youth Soccer.
"These girls have been together since they were 9-years old. They train three or four days a week year around," said Greg Bowers, Head Coach, Pegasus FC US 16 Girls.
One thousand young girls tried out to be chosen as part of the Global Premier Soccer U15 National Team which will compete in the Gothia Cup, known as the World Cup of Youth Soccer.
"I wasn't shocked that four of these girls made the team. These kids work ridiculously hard. A lot of their friends are sitting on a lake all summer. They're here. They want to get better, they want to improve and now they are getting the reward," he said.
Hannah Mekky, 15, Mount Prospect, started playing soccer when she was just 5-years old.
"It's probably one of the hardest tryouts I've ever done," Morgan said. "I didn't think I was going to make it. Every day I was running, working out and to find out that I made the team and accomplished what I worked for put me in tears."
Hannah Gryzik said it means the world to her to get chosen.
Mekky's father Sam said he's incredibly proud of his daughter and the whole team.
"All these kids are watching it. They love it. They enjoy watching women on the biggest stage and it's going to keep growing," Bowers said.
Holly Deutsch said all the players are people "we look up to. It's really important for women like us."
Hannah Gryzik agreed.
Hannah Mekky said people tend to be blinded by men's sports.
"Making the team and getting selected, these girls are really, really pushing and they want to play college ball and we've got the tools to make that happen. I don't know many kids who work as hard as these kids," Bowers said.
Gothia Cup was first held in 1975. Through the years, almost a million players from a total of 146 countries have participated in the tournament.
"There's nothing better than watching kids love a sport you love and show so much passion for it. It's fun watching them watch grow up," Bowers said.