I'm so excited, so proud of everybody -- it's an amazing group. We've all been through so much just to get here.

Being sick, we were a little cautious preparing for this event.

Lots of teams feel better staying at home and just taking it easy and building up themselves in training. But for us, it's definitely better to come here. These are the same international judges who will judge us at the Olympics and we want their feedback.

For the first time, I was able to cross the border and when I was asked my citizenship, I could say American. That was exciting.

We feel it is our time to shine, and now we can make the most of this as we try to qualify for the Olympic Games. I have lived here (in the United States) for so long, and this (citizenship) was the last piece of the puzzle. I really feel that I have found my place here. Some of the greatest moments of my life were while I lived here, and now I feel complete.

Worlds are still a major goal for us.