Women’s soccer player Kaylyn Kyle remembers kicking around a soccer ball while dodging mosquitoes and gopher holes as a kid in Saskatoon.

Now 23, Kyle is embarking on her most monumental journey yet — the Olympic Summer Games in London. A native of Saskatoon, Kyle is elated for the epic experience to represent Canada’s women’s soccer team in the U.K.

“I think I’m the luckiest girl in the world,” she said via email from Switzerland where Team Canada is training prior to heading to London in a few days.

The former Bishop James Mahoney midfielder and current Vancouver Whitecaps women’s soccer player has never forgotten her prairie roots, which helped forge her resilience as a professional soccer player.

“Not only do I get to represent my country but also every time I put on that jersey and listen to our national anthem I’m also representing Saskatchewan and everyone who helped me get where I am today. It’s something you can’t buy and something I will never take for granted.”

In her young professional career, Kyle has competed in two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups. From Guadalajara, Mexico to Moscow, Russia to Chile, the only thing she doesn’t miss about Saskatchewan is the province’s unforgiving winters.

“I always miss it, except for the cold winters. When you grow up in a place like Saskatchewan it’s hard not to miss it when you can barely go back. I have a lot of amazing friends and family there,” said Kyle.

Aside from athletics, Kyle is a fashion enthusiast and hopes to get into fashion design following her professional soccer career.

SIDEBAR Q&A

Who’s you’re favorite soccer player(s) and team?

Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona or Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid.

What’s the most important goal you’ve ever scored?

“Our semi-final match at the Pan American Games in 2011 when I scored from top of the box to tie it up [against Colombia].”

What’s your favorite soccer movie?

“Green Street Hooligans.”

What’s on your iPod?

“I’m usually known for my Euro dance music but I have a variety of mixes.”

CUTLINE: Canadian women’s soccer player Kaylyn Kyle looks downfield for an opening during an Olympic qualifying match at B.C. Place recently.