Through the game of soccer, Post Falls High junior Kelcie Hedge is getting to live a lifelong dream.

Hedge tried out for the United States under-17 national soccer team in June in Texas, spent the summer with the team, and was added to the roster for World Cup U-17 qualifying tournament in Montego Bay, Jamaica, which begins next Friday.

HEDGE SCORED a goal in the 10th minute for the USA in a 5-0 win on Aug. 28 in an international friendly in England. She also played as a reserve in the team's 6-0 win on Aug. 25.

"It was a really good competition between us and England," Hedge said.

While in the country, the team also watched an English Premier Soccer League match.

"It was really cool to see all the fans at the match," Hedge said. "Getting to listen to them doing their chants and cheering was really cool."

The U.S. will face Jamaica in the opening game of pool play, then face Panama on Oct. 15 in their other pool play game.

After her performance during the summer, Hedge was asked back to the team for the World Cup. She is playing at forward for the U.S. team.

"It was really exciting when I got the email," Hedge said. "I know many kids dream of it and hope to someday get to do that. It's really cool to know that I've accomplished it. I've been dreaming of this since I was a little girl."

Hedge also plays club soccer on the Washington Premier FC team based out of Puyallup.

"Playing there helped a lot because I've gotten the chance to get to learn how to play soccer with girls I don't know," Hedge said. "The speed of play is much higher, and it's really helped me progress. When I got over there (to Texas), I didn't know anyone, but the players were all so welcoming. The coaches are awesome and I've learned so much in just a little time."

One thing the national coaches have taught her is how to be more of an explosive player.

"Most of it is attacking and when to make runs," Hedge said. "They've really shown me how to play a lot smarter."

Depending on her performance, she can remain with the team or can be released at any time.

"You're never really on the team for good," said Hedge, who has verbally committed to play at the University of Washington. "They can cut or release you at any given time. I think it's really cool to get a chance to play out of the country. We've got to adapt to the different environment as a team, but it should be a fun time."

DUE TO the travel schedule of the US team, Hedge opted not to play for the Post Falls High girls soccer team this fall - one year after helping lead the team to a runner-up finish in the program's first state tournament appearance.

"It was a really hard decision to make," Hedge said. "But I knew I had to do it to get where I wanted to be because this was my goal. I'm not really involved with them as much, but I still come out and support them as much as I can."

Hedge was the 2012 state Gatorade Player of the Year, scoring 18 goals with 12 assists for the Trojans last year. As a freshman, she scored 25 goals for the Trojans.

"It's hard to just sit back and watch them, knowing that I'm not really part of the team anymore," Hedge said. "I know they're doing really well and I'm really happy for them. It's like a big family and it's tough not being able to help them and be with them."

Hedge will also miss at least a month of school while competing in Jamaica.

"I'm going to miss my friends and all the people that have helped me train," Hedge said. "But I know it's going to be a wonderful experience."

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d'Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter at JEPressSports.