It was supposed to be just another meeting for the Land O' Lakes High School Special Olympics soccer team.

But as they sat together in front of a giant projector screen in the school's chorus room, the students got a surprise message from Special Olympics Florida President Sherry Wheelock.

“Your team, and coach Vicky, have been chosen to represent Florida in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games," Wheelock said.

Big cheers and even tears followed the announcement, as team members told Bay News 9 they couldn't wait to represent the United States next summer in California.

“When she said LA, I’ve never been there," said Christopher Hale. "It’s going to be a trip for me to go to.”

“We’re going to have some fun,” said teammate Yvonne Collinsworth.

The trip west to join more than 7,000 athletes from around the world is well deserved, said coach Vicky King.

“We’re not just representing Land O’ Lakes High school," King said. "We’re representing the Land O' Lakes community and Pasco County. We’re representing the State of Florida.”

It's a big honor for a team with an even better attitude.

“No matter how we try, as long as we have fun and do our best," said Andrew Ahearn.

The world games are being called the biggest event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics.