FOND DU LAC (WLUK) -- There are eight junior synchronized skating teams throughout the country selected to represent the United States on the international circuit.

The Fond du Lac Blades are one of them, heading to France as Team USA next week.

"I'm really proud to be representing Fond du Lac," said St. Mary's Springs senior Morgan Timblin. "A lot of other teams are from big areas, they're more well-known but being from Fond du Lac, no one knows where we are. "

The Blades have certainly helped put Fond du Lac on the map.

This will be the Blades' sixth straight season competing overseas as Team USA.

Despite it now being the standard, head coach Jenny McMahon said when she informed the girls over a Zoom call, the excitement level was evident.

"I think there's some butterflies starting to happen," McMahon said. "It is a little different, it feels like a job. You're representing your country overseas and you want to do a good job. You were chosen you want to skate your best, and that will be our goal."

"We're constantly reminded, the days are counting down and we need to clean things up as quick as possible," Timblin said. "It kind of looks a little like the rest of our practices but a little bit more energy and a little bit more pressure."

To be a member of the Blades, it takes rigorous training that begins months before competition season begins in November.

FOX 11's Nicole Menner asked McMahon and some of the girls to describe it.

"Intense, it's intense," McMahon said.

To be a member of the team Timblin said it takes "a lot of confidence, endurance, a lot of dedication and a lot of practice."

"It can be very hard sometimes," said Waukesha West senior Annah Bhanpuri. "Mentally challenging because we want everything to look perfect."

Clearly, the training has paid off.

Last year, the Blades represented the United States in Austria and earned a bronze medal.

The girls said placing on the podium is always a goal, but they're more focused on the overall experience.

"I would love to make it on the podium but more importantly I would love to bring the best programs that we can," said St. Mary's Springs senior Alyx Sabel.

"It's about getting off the ice and being able to say that we've done all that we can, and improve our score because that's always something to be proud of," Bhanpuri said.

And most importantly, they're embracing the chance to represent their country.

"One of the best feelings is getting on the ice and hearing them say 'representing the United States of America' so I'm really excited to get out again and feel that rush," Sabel said.

"The best part of the whole experience is when they say 'representing the United States of America,'" McMahon said. "It just gives you chills and I think that is the ultimate excitement that gives them that final push to get on the ice and do their best."

Author :Nicole Menner, FOX 11 Sports