Senior Celeste Chavana fell in love with hockey at the age of seven. It wasn’t something she always dreamt of playing; it just happened.

“I started about 11 years ago,” Chavana said. “I started going to the skating rink and they introduced hockey to my friends and me.”

When she started to play hockey, soon after her family joined in.

“My two brothers also play hockey,” she said.

Just like any other sport, there are many levels of competition including regionals and nationals.

“Regionals include local people from Lubbock, San Angelo and Fort Smith,” Chavana said. “We also have national tournaments. That’s anywhere from Washington, Salt Lake City to Alaska.”

Chavana competed with her team in Nebraska that earned them a ticket to travel big. About a month ago, she fulfilled the dream she pursued since the start of the sport.

“I already lived my goal. I traveled to France to play on the USA Team,” Chavana said. “I left for France Oct. 21 and came back Nov. 2.”

In order for her to make it on the team, she first tried out for a spot.

We have tryouts just like any other sport,” Chavana said. “They pick the best players.”

In total, eight players and two goalies are chosen.

Chavana, along with the USA hockey team, competed against different teams from around the world.

“We played England, France, South Africa, India and many others,” Chavana said.

Out of the fourteen teams, Chavana and the USA hockey team placed twelfth.

She hopes to one day to compete again on the USA Team and travel big, like France.

“We can try out for the USA hockey team every two years,” she said.

She hopes to one day play professionally.

“If they make it into the Olympics, or they put it back in, I hope to try out,” Chavana said. “Anybody can try out for it.”

Just like her love for the sport ignited the day she entered that skating rink, she will continue to play hockey.

“Never give up on what you’re doing,” Chavana said. “If you really love the sport, just keep going until you reach your dreams.”