(NEXSTAR) -- Taylor Heise and Aerin Frankel are working hard to earn their spots on Team USA in women's hockey for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Heise is determined to make the Olympic team after narrowly missing out on the Beijing Games. Frankel, aiming for her Olympic debut, is focused on staying present and working hard to earn her spot on the roster. Heise has been playing for Team USA for a decade. Starting at age 15, she made her first U18 team, becoming one of its youngest members. Despite coming from a basketball family, she found her passion for hockey through a friend's outdoor league. "I would say my favorite thing about hockey is that it's freeing," Heise shared, reflecting on her journey and passion for the sport. Her journey involved open enrollment in a different high school to pursue hockey, with her family supporting her along the way. Heise appreciates the creativity and fluidity of hockey, contrasting it with the structured nature of basketball. Growing up, her competitive spirit was nurtured by competing with her brothers. Frankel, who started playing hockey after falling in love with ice skating, has been a goalie since making a deal with her parents to try the position. She finds comfort in the crease and enjoys competing against top players. "It would be an honor to go to the Olympics," Frankel expressed, highlighting the dedication required to compete at such a high level. The camaraderie within Team USA is strong, with players supporting each other despite the competitive environment. Heise and Frankel both emphasize the respect and closeness among teammates. The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has provided a platform for players like Heise and Frankel to compete at a high level, with fan support exceeding expectations. The league continues to grow and attract attention. As the Olympics approach, Heise and Frankel are committed to their preparation, balancing competition with camaraderie. Their dedication to representing Team USA highlights the spirit and determination of athletes on the world stage. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published