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47 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, February 26, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 10, 2004 A volleyball trip to remember By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Pilar Diehl’s brief volleyball career recently took a giant leap. The 13-year-old eighth-grader at Hedrick Middle School was chosen to participate on the United States Sports Tours USA Volleyball 13-14-year-old team on a two-week stint in Australia. Diehl and the rest of her 13 teammates, who she has yet to meet, will depart for Sydney from Portland on July 2 to take part in the event that includes a round-robin tournament, daily sightseeing and several clinics. "I was really excited when I got the call," says Diehl, an outside hitter with Hedrick. "It seems like a good opportunity. I’m really looking forward to seeing Australia." The process for which Diehl, also a member of the Rogue Valley Volleyball Club, was selected included two extensive phone interviews with a member of Sports Tour USA and a meeting at the Medford Red Lion. She is the lone Oregon representative. Advertisement Diehl and her Rogue Valley teammates were included on a list given to Sports Tours USA. Following the interview process, she was informed of her selection back in November. Sports Tours USA was established in 1984 and offers international competition in 16 different sports for boys and girls ages 9-19. Sports Tours USA has player scouts for each sport, but it mainly relies on local club teams to provide names of possible participants. While Diehl is looking forward to competing against other volleyball players from around the world and the opportunities presented with such an experience, she’s mostly looking forward to taking in the different sites Australia has to offer. "I’m really excited about seeing the Sydney Opera House," says Diehl, "but I also want to see the Sydney Harbor." For now, raising the necessary funds is her primary goal. The cost for the trip is estimated at $3,620, which includes airfare, transportation, lodging and associated costs. She’s raised a small portion, but is continuing to search for sponsors. "I’m going to sell raffle tickets and hopefully get some help from businesses," says Diehl. "I still have a ways to go." Prospective sponsors can reach Diehl at 621-5711. Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times