It’s yet another US national team experience for Cloee Colohan this week, but for the talented and driven center back from Black Diamond Soccer Club it’s far from a routine experience.

Colohan is present in Chula Vista this week for the U18/U20 US Women’s Soccer National camp, and is coming off playing in the first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup last fall, where the US team made it to the final and lost 2-1 to Korea in overtime.

This week she'll be joined by the likes of Amber Brooks (Arsenal World), Erika Tymrak (IMG Soccer Academy), Courtney Verloo (South Side Strikers), Kristen Mewis (Scorpion SC), Olivia Klei (Pleasanton Rage) and Tani Costa (Leahi Soccer Club).

Heading into last fall's competition, though, she was already the most capped player on the squad. Put simply, she’s been there and done that, yet she still remains appreciative and fully engaged.

“To tell you one thing about her, she returned from the World Cup (in New Zealand) with a jersey for me to express her appreciation,” said Black Diamond coach Richie Breza, who has seen Colohan develop over the years. “I’ve had other players play for the US team, but they didn’t come back beaming and bring back souvenirs.”

Prior to the experience, Colohan did an interview with ussoccer.com that clearly illustrated her excitement for the upcoming games (quotes courtesy of ussoccer.com).

“It’s super exciting, I can’t wait,” she said, at the time. “I’ll probably be shaking and be so nervous that I want to throw up, but after the game starts I think I’ll be fine. It’s an honor and a great learning experience for all of us.”

That hardly sounded like a player who had 11 international games to her credit. What it does sound like is a player who often wakes up at 5 a.m. and drives an hour from her home in West Point, Utah in order to take place in a special workout with coaches who get the best out of her.

At 5-foot-8, Colohan is the prototypical center back - she beats people to spots on the field, battles for the ball, and most importantly, she wants it.

“She’s as competitive as I’ve seen,” Breza said. “She’s very good in the air, wins balls and is a great tackler. Her technical ability continues to improve and I think her soccer computer has maybe outgrown most of her peers. I try to play her in different spots so things don’t get repetitive.”

Colohan will head to Portland next year where she’s sure to throw herself into the collegiate game with all the enthusiasm of a freshman. She always does.