ORMISTON local Grace Schulz will head to New Caledonia next month to represent the Australian under 18 women's handball team at the Oceanic Cup.
Schulz, who will play goalkeeper for the side, dedicated her school holidays to preparing for the tournament with the assistance of coaches at Brisbane Handball Club.
The Australian Handball Federation will send the under 18 and under 20 women's teams to the Oceanic Cup, which will run for seven days from August 11.
Schulz said her handball career began a few years ago when her school team won the state competition.
"It was a fantastic motivator to continue this team sport that is so different to all other sports," Schulz said.
"As goalie, I find playing handball great fun, fast-paced and exciting. I also love how it requires you to work as a team and bond with other people."
"I enjoy the highly competitive nature of the sport and how it requires accurate passing, throwing, catching and dribbling."
Schulz's coaches Juan Granada and Beata Hajos, who work with many of the Australian under 18 players, have a history of producing international representatives.
"We are so privileged to have great coaches who will accompany us to the Oceanic Cup," Schulz said.