Katy Knoll pretty much lives on the ice.
She plays travel hockey and is a junior on the Nichols girls varsity team.
Most recently though, Knoll added another team to her resume: Team USA.
"I just didn't know what to say," Knoll said. "I kind of gasped at first and then I was just like, thank you so much!"
The journey started back in April when Knoll took part in a Regional competition. She then advanced to Districts and finally to the Elite 66 camp in Biddeford, Maine.
The Elite 66 camp is a big deal. That camp is where the Team USA coaches find the majority of their roster. Following that camp, Knoll was chosen as an alternate for the National Festival.
Since she didn't get to go, she figured that was the end of the road.
"Maybe next year, that was my idea and just keep working hard and everything," Knoll said about not making the national event.
But a phone call a few weeks ago changed everything.
Knoll was selected as one of 23 girls from around the country and the only from the state of New York to represent the USA at the IIHF U-18 Women's World Championship.
"I can't even imagine what it's going to feel like to put on that jersey," Knoll said. "Honestly it makes me smile just thinking about it."
Knoll has been staying humble.
Over these last few weeks she's been playing for the Lady Vikings and enjoying the ride.
"It's honestly just soaking in the experience and taking it for all that it is," she said. "I just need to enjoy it and I'm doing it so it's a blast."
Reality is starting to set in though.
Knoll will wrap up the month at a pre camp with her new teammates and on January 2nd, will head to Russia for the beginning of the tournament.
It'll be quite the journey and one she'll always remember.
"I've been to Europe and everything and I thought that was the experience of a lifetime," said Knoll. "But to be able to go overseas and play for my country and do what I love most in life, it's going to be an unreal experience, I just can't wait."
Knoll and Team USA will be going for their fourth straight gold medal when play begins on January 6th.
