"She scores goals," Irwin said.

Actually, Irwin is grateful for the BYU All-American's work ethic and desire to improve. Larkin joins the U-23 team for the prestigious Nordic Cup Tournament in Sweden, July 11-22.

It is the second national team stint for Larkin. Larkin traveled to Germany and had an assist in a 4-2 win over German Women's Bundesliga club Crailsheim on May 20. She also scored a goal in a second match, nothing new for Larkin, who as a junior led BYU with 15 goals, three in the Mountain West Conference tournament.

The Draper native sees her position on the national team as another step on a list of goals she wrote out as a 12-year-old lover of soccer. That she is accomplishing those goals is only a surprise to those who didn't wish to see her disappointed.

"Playing at BYU was one of those goals," Larkin said. "Playing with the high caliber of players, this is definitely a different style. You've got to be savvy. I've learned so much."

Larkin's soccer education can only improve BYU's team. The Cougars reached the NCAA College Cup team in 2007 and return most of their starters, in time to christen a new and improved South Stadium.

"It will be the best team we've had," she said. "We'll have a new stadium pumping everyone up."

Larkin, one of six forwards on the U.S. team, is the lone player from BYU and the Mountain West Conference. The United States has won seven of the past nine tournaments.

The U.S. national team plays Switzerland (July 15), England (July 17) and Norway (July 19). Other teams participating in the tournament include host Sweden, Finland, Germany and Scotland. The tournament championship game will be held July 21.

"Katie is a player willing to work hard for 90 minutes," said Irwin, also coach of the Florida Gators. "I love that. She wants to get better. And she listens."

Larkin needed little time to adjust to the speed of international play, and the possibility exists that, one day, she might play for a World Cup or Olympic medal.

"That is something they have to want themselves," Irwin said. "My job is to get them ready for the next level. I've seen people with loads of ability not want it. Katie has a chance, but she has to want it."

For Larkin, who this year experienced her first journey beyond U.S. borders, putting on the national team jersey is special enough. The senior team is just another mark on her list.

"It is a possibility, probably a long shot," she said. "It's pretty crazy to sit next to people in airports and tell them I'm representing my country. Every time I say it, it hits me what I'm doing. It's been quite the experience."

martyr@sltrib.com