Canada, Here We Come: U.S. WNT Players React on Making U.S. Women's World Cup Roster

U.S. WNT Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher

On making the Women’s World Cup Team:

“I am incredibly excited about being named to the roster and going to my first World Cup this summer. This is such an amazing opportunity and something I have been working toward for a long time. It is always an honor to represent the U.S., and to be able to do that with my teammates at a World Cup is a blessing and an experience I will never forget. It has been quite a journey already, and I am looking forward to the next chapter.”

U.S. WNT Midfielder Carli Lloyd

On making her third Women’s World Cup roster:
“It’s definitely always an honor to make any roster. Nothing is a guarantee at this level. I’m thankful that I can be participating and we can be competing in my third World Cup. I think this World Cup is different than my previous two in the sense that obviously your first World Cup you’re getting your feet wet, second World Cup we fell short and there was some unfinished business. Now, I see myself as a role model, a leader and there’s a lot on the line. That’s what I live for, those pressure situations. I thrive under those pressure situations. I’m just ready it, I’m anxious. I’m thinking about it already at night, before I go to bed; I’m so anticipating that opening game.”

U.S. WNT Defender Meghan Klingenberg

On getting the call to make it official:
“Getting a call to go to the World Cup is the biggest honor I have ever received in my life. I cannot wait to represent my country to the best of my ability on and off the field. We’re excited to really go after it and hopefully bring the World Cup home to the U.S.”

On nerves heading into her World Cup:
“Having nerves going to the World Cup just shows how much you care about being there, representing your country and doing well. As long as you’re able to manage those in a positive way, I think it can only be helpful going into the tournament.”

U.S. WNT Midfielder Morgan Brian

On getting the call from Jill Ellis:
“I think we all knew we were going to find out on the same day, so we were a little bit nervous looking at our phones and waiting for the call. It’s a true honor to represent my country and play at a World Cup, especially at such a young age. I’m really looking forward to the experience and think it will be something I remember for the rest of my life.”

On if the news of making the roster has sunk in yet:
“I don’t think I’ve let it sink in, but at the same time I’ve dreamed about this since I was a little girl and for it to finally be official and for the dream to come true is surreal. For me it’s just been a whirlwind. I don’t think it’s going to sink in because you just think to yourself ‘I’m on the United States Women’s National Team playing in a World Cup’ and that’s insane to me. It’s cool to finally have that dream come true.”

U.S. WNT Defender Becky Sauerbrunn

On making her second Women’s World Cup roster:
“It’s an honor to represent our country at an event like the World Cup. I am thrilled to be on the roster and I hope to make our nation proud.”

U.S. WNT Midfielder Heather O’Reilly

On making her third Women’s World Cup Team:
“There are many talented players in our country and I am honored to represent the United States in our quest for the third star.”

U.S. WNT Forward Amy Rodriguez

On making her second Women’s World Cup Team:
“I’m very excited to be named to the World Cup roster. There were times that I didn’t think I would make it, so I am truly honored and grateful to represent the U.S. this summer.”

U.S. WNT Midfielder Lauren Holiday:

On making her second Women’s World Cup Team:
“I feel extremely blessed to be a part of a team as special as this one. There is no better feeling than putting on that U.S. jersey and representing your country.”

U.S. WNT Midfielder Megan Rapinoe

On being named to the Women’s World Cup roster:
“It’s so exciting. The World Cup is everything. To be able to say that in my career this will be the second one is really special. It definitely doesn’t get old by any means. I am thrilled and I can’t wait. It feels like it’s getting to the time and the energy is really rising. Everyone is really excited.”

On her big week:
“It’s really exciting. It’s all happening at one time; getting named to the World Cup roster, getting 100 caps, and getting my first-ever official hat trick in the season opener with Seattle Reign. It’s exciting. I am buzzing right now.”

U.S. WNT Goalkeeper Hope Solo

On being named to the Women’s World Cup roster:
“It’s funny, because I am a veteran now and it’s my third World Cup, but still, when the roster was set, when Jill called me up and said ‘Congratulations, you’ve made the World Cup roster,’ I still felt emotional, happy, filled with joy and proud. Anything can happen. You work for four years to make another roster and another roster and so it was just a nice dose of reality to know that I officially made the roster.”

U.S. WNT Defender Ali Krieger

On making the Women’s World Cup roster:
“Firstly, I’m very honored and privileged to represent my country as a member of this incredible group of Footballers. Second, I am extremely excited for another opportunity to win the World Cup! Having thought about our 2011 World Cup Final against Japan for the past four years, it has driven me to continue to get better every day to make sure we get back to the Final again this summer. This is something we have been working our entire lives for and therefore I feel very fortunate to be able to play on one of football’s biggest stages. We are well-prepared, motivated, determined and ready to succeed and I can’t wait!”

U.S. WNT Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris

On making her first Women’s World Cup roster:
"I'm overwhelmed with emotion at this point. Words can't explain how honored I am to represent my country on the highest stage. I've worked my whole life for this moment. I want to thank my family, friends, and my club for the constant support and encouragement to get me where I am today. However, there is no time to celebrate or rest at this point. My dream is to win a World Cup and I will do everything in my power to bring that home to our country."