Forward Maria Sanchez. One year ago she was racking up goals for American Falls High School, and today she found out she is the newest member of the U-20 Mexican National Soccer Team.

"It's my dream come true," Sanchez said. "I have worked so hard. It's all about the love for the sport that I have."

One of the most dominant high school players in Idaho history, the Power County girl racked up goals at an absurd rate — 68 in just 17 games during her senior year to be exact — but without playing on any club teams, she didn't get the exposure of other big time recruits. Now after an outstanding freshman campaign in an ISU jersey, the knowledge of her talent is beginning to spread.

"When I recruited her from American Falls High School that was one of the concerns I had because she owned everyone at that level," head coach Allison Gibson said. "I wondered how she would adjust in the Big Sky Conference to bigger stronger and faster players. Obviously she has proven herself there but now to go play on an international stage and to play against those kind of players and get that kind of experience it will catapult her to a whole new level."

The process toward being selected on the Mexican National Team began when a Bengal recruit informed the ISU coaching staff there would be tryouts for players in the United States. The problem was they were to be held in only three days.

"I told her somehow, some way, you've got to get in a car and get down there because you deserve to be on this team," Gibson said.

She made it past the first cut, onward through the second and finally to the confirming email announcing her addition to the roster. It's a process Sanchez says she will never forget.

"I just want to inspire the other kids from my town that they can do things like this," Sanchez said. "It's a bigger step and more difficult to keep up. I know that I just have to keep working harder. It's only the beginning."

"It's such a great honor. I think she is going to represent Mexico and ISU so well," Gibson said. "She's one of those players that you see come along once in a coaching career. She has the most unbelievable passion for the game and her touch on the ball is one of the best I've ever seen."