But one thing had been missing in Ben’s soccer career – a call-up to the national team level. That omission finally was put to rest.
Ben had the opportunity to play for the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team in mid-April at U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center in Carson, Calif., and the experience and recognition were something that she valued immensely.
“It meant a lot to me to be recognized,” Ben said. “I don’t think going into my college season that I would have expected this. It’s an amazing accomplishment, and it’s been a dream just to be called up. The experience there was a great process and learning experience, to play alongside 23 of the best players in the country there.”
The week consisted of double sessions early in the week, an intrasquad scrimmage, film sessions and then eventually games against UCLA and USC.
“We went over positional stuff, what needs to be better and what’s to be expected from us,” Ben said. “We had some individual film sessions to pinpoint what we did wrong or what we could have done differently. I was playing up top that week, so when we watched the film together, they basically said to stay high on the line and make sure we stretched the defense.”
Ben took advantage of the spotlight during the USA’s 4-0 victory against USC, scoring on a header to cap off the scoring.
“It was awesome to get on the score sheet,” Ben said. “It was a short corner kick play, the defense stepped up and I saw that nobody recognized where I was. The ball found me and I did what I had to do.”
This national team accomplishment can be stacked on the pile of accolades and achievements that Ben has earned over the past year. Ben’s first season at DePaul was one that progressively got some national attention, though she feels the Blue Demons were a bit under the radar.
“I don’t think our team got in the spotlight, so we focused on every game and didn’t let that unbeaten record affect us,” Ben said. “We wanted to win every game, and that’s what we tried to do. I think the best thing about the team was the chemistry on and off the field. We all clicked together and we knew each other.”
Heading into the season, it was impossible for Ben to have a grasp of how much of an impact she would have from the get-go. As she produced top-quality appearances throughout the season, it was evident that Ben would be relied on as a key cog in the Blue Demons midfield.
“You expect freshmen to make a difference and prove why you should be on the field,” Ben said. “This team trusts each other, anyone who gets on the field, no matter what the age. It didn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a senior, as long as you’re able to perform. I honestly didn’t think I would be a huge part of the team, but I’m happy the way things worked out. The team also made me feel comfortable from the start.”
With Ben’s intelligence and understanding of her role as a set-up player (she led DePaul with 11 assists), she was able to gel easily during that 2014 season.
“The more games we got in, the more comfortable I felt,” Ben said. “I had a better feel for how everyone played and their knacks on the field.”
Between her collegiate accomplishments and now the national team program, she feels everything will fuel her game moving forward.
“The level of play is exceptional,” Ben said of her U-20s experience. “That should be the goal for everyone. It definitely motivates me to become a better player. Every day you learn something new.”
