When asked about her journey to the United State's Women's National Soccer Team, Highlands Ranch native Mallory Pugh can only stand in awe. "This is amazing," said Pugh.
Just two weeks prior to debuting in an international friendly versus Japan, the 18-year-old was sitting at her high school graduation.
"I would have never thought this opportunity would come so early," added Pugh. She started in the U.S. Youth system when she was just 16, and debuted as a 17-year-old high school senior. During that time, Pugh became the youngest female player ever to see action in an Olympic qualifying match.
Now, she's a fresh new face on a team looking to become the first ever to win Olympic gold and a World Cup in consecutive years.
"I've always had goals for myself and I think setting the standard kind of high for me has really helped me throughout that and I'm just really thankful to be here and very blessed," says Pugh. "I don't think that's where it kind of stops for me I always just try and get better and just try and keep setting goals for myself."
The 2014-15 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year will try and help the USWNT win Olympic Gold, then this Fall she'll attend UCLA.