If they could have things their way, the money University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's soccer players Lauren Thomas and Hannah Wyatt have spent to attend the United States women's team's match at Finley Stadium on Aug. 19 would go to waste.
Sure, they have all intentions of attending, but instead of playing the role of fan - like at least 20,000 others would - they have envisioned a much more "hands-on" role.
Ball girls. Something that would get them much closer to the action and much closer to the players they idolize.
For Thomas, a senior goalkeeper, it's Hope Solo, who was awarded the Golden Gloves award for being the World Cup's top goalkeeper after the U.S. women defeated Japan 5-2 on Sunday for their first title since 1999. Wyatt, a junior midfielder, admires the footwork and skills of Tobin Heath, who scored a goal in Sunday's win.
"This is going to be the biggest event in Chattanooga history, especially because they just won the World Cup," Thomas said. "It is so great for them to come here, especially with our new turf field. It's all going to be so amazing; it's going to be very packed."
The Chattanooga visit will be the second stop on the post-World Cup tour for the U.S. women. They play in Pittsburgh three days prior.
With increased excitement circling around soccer in this area, the UTC women are looking to cash in as well. Some of that excitement is hovering around a Mocs program that brought in new coach Gavin McKinney and a solid recruiting class heading into the 2015 season.
The Mocs open their season at home four days after the national team match at Finley, also at Finley against Austin Peay.
"When the national team comes here, it'll be a great chance for us to say how we're starting a new era within the team, with new coaches and some good freshmen. We want to express that it's a fresh start for Chattanooga soccer," said Wyatt, a former Soddy-Daisy High School star. "The 'Chattanooga' on our shirt is being taken a lot more seriously.
"We want to show that soccer is worth watching here at Finley, and will be in Chattanooga for years to come."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.