JOHN DAY – LaShawnda Gill is preparing for her first time on a plane in more than 10 years.

The Grant Union junior made the Eastern Oregon League’s volleyball all-league team last season. She said although it was an honor to make the team, she wasn’t prepared for what came next.

Gill received a letter from Down Under Sports inviting her to join a volleyball team that would represent Oregon in tournaments in Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii July 7-18. She immediately jumped at the opportunity.

Gill said she hasn’t flown since she went to Walt Disney World with her family when she was 4.

“I was surprised when I got the letter,” Gill said. “I’m excited. It looks like it will be fun and a good opportunity. I’m a little nervous especially since I’ll be by myself. I’ll meet my coaches and the other girls, but I don’t have my family to go with me.”

Down Under Sports is a program that was started by George O’Scanlon, of New Zealand, to bring American football players to New Zealand and Australia to promote the sport. The program has developed to encompass cross country, volleyball, cheer, golf, swimming, wrestling, basketball and track and field.

Athletes from around the United States compete against athletes from New Zealand and Australia. Last year, Prairie City sent volleyball player Bradi Voigt and football players Brenton Groves, Kenny Clingman and Cody Sederlin to the program. This year Jacee Retherford and Katelyn Page also received invitations for volleyball, but are not joining the team.

Gill is currently raising money for her trip. She is selling raffle tickets for a trip to Australia for two. The raffle is being sponsored by Down Under Sports. Gill said she is looking for sponsors and will have yard sales and can drives. She needs to have everything turned in by May 1.

Anyone interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or donating can call Gill at 620-2600.