Forgive Natasha Kai if she found pleasure in going to the dentist yesterday.

Kai became the first female soccer player from Hawai'i to be named to the U.S. Women's National team World Cup roster, yet another milestone for the former Kahuku and University of Hawai'i star.

"I can't even talk because it's crazy," Kai said. "I'm overwhelmed.

"I can't stop smiling. It's a relief knowing I made the World Cup roster, I was nonstop calling my family and friends. It's unbelievable. I'm in shock," said Kai, who had to get a complete dental examination as part of FIFA rules for September's World Cup in China.

It was a small sacrifice, considering what she went through the past two weeks.

On July 11, U.S. head coach Greg Ryan released the names of 18 of the 21 World Cup players on the U.S. roster, and Kai was not on the list, which came as a surprise to many.

"When he announced the first 18, it was totally unexpected, no one knew it was coming," Kai said. "I kind of felt that I wasn't going to be on it. For me, I shouldn't have been on the first 18, because there was more to me that he wanted to see.

"I needed to work harder to become a member of the final 21."

After learning she'd been left off the roster, Kai struggled with doubts of whether she wanted to continue with the national team.

"When I found out I wasn't (a part of the initial 18), I was like, 'What the heck is going on?' I was just crying. I thought, 'I can't do this anymore, I can't push myself anymore. I wanted to quit. I missed my family.'

"The other half was like, 'Are you stupid? Bust your butt and do whatever it takes to make the final three spots.' "

Some teammates came up to her after the announcement and told her to work hard because one of the three spots was hers if she was willing to work for it.

"I knew it was up for grabs. I was determined to get one of those three spots," she said.

Kai said she had to prove her fitness level to Ryan; that she could play the full 90 minutes instead of 20 to 30 minute stints as a substitute.

"It's just another level," she said. "From high school to college it's a big jump. From college to the professional level it's even bigger.

"I thought I was in shape when I first came, but I wasn't."

To show her dedication, Kai stayed in California in the weeks the team had off time.

Ryan gave her special training to follow. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays she would run eight 800-meter runs in 3 minutes, with a 5-minute break in between each run. Tuesdays and Thursdays she either rode a stationary bike for an hour, with a heart rate of 150, or she would compete 10 shuttle runs.

"I feel great. I feel like 10 times more fit than I've ever been. (Ryan) told me this is the most fit he's seen me," Kai said. "It gave me more confidence, knowing I'm on his good side. That's an accomplishment for us: me, him and the team."

Besides the physical sacrifices, it took an emotional and mental toll on Kai as well. A big family person, she missed her youngest sister Tatiana's wedding.

"It's all worth it in the end," Kai said.

Yesterday marked the final day of residency, and after fitness drills Ryan called aside Kai and the four others who were vying for the final three spots.

"It was a 10-yard walk, and everything was going through my head," Kai said. "I was like, 'What if I don't make it?' My mind was going 100 miles an hour. I was excited but scared. This was my life, it was my dream.

"I'd been dreaming of this for 20 years, at least. And it took 20 seconds to find out if I was going to be on the team. When he named me, a whole weight was lifted off my shoulders."

And it helped soothe the pain in her neck, which she tweaked during practice Saturday.

"It's a roller coaster," Kai said of the emotions that ran through her since July 11. "Some days you have good days, some days are the worst of your life. But ... you have to be strong emotionally, mentally, physically."

Despite the anxiety, it hasn't been all tough going for Kai. She's a featured member of the national team in an advertisement on nikesoccer.com, and a Nike ad of her and her teammates is hanging in Times Square.

"I'm on a freaking billboard," Kai said. "We're all posing like rock stars."

NOTES

Kai is the second Hawai'i player to be named to a World Cup roster. Last year, Hale'iwa's Brian Ching was the first to be picked to the men's squad. "I think it will just open doors big time (for Hawai'i)," Kai said. "People think of Hawai'i as a vacation spot, not a place where people play soccer."

Kai will be returning home for three days in August before flying back to Los Angeles for a Nike photo shoot. Then the U.S. has one final game against Finland Aug. 25.

The 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup will be held in China from Sept. 10 to 30. The U.S. plays North Korea Sept. 11, Sweden Sept. 14 and Nigeria Sept. 18.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.