Along with two chaperones, including coach Greg Shaubel, the eight players on the team will head for Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, during the 2009 March break to compete in a volleyball tournament against schools from America's 50th state as well teams from Vancouver.

Before they make the trip, however, there is plenty of work to be done on and off the court. Shaubel estimates it will cost about $22,000 for the week-long trip and the team has been busy fund raising in a variety of ways -- everything from car washes and barbecues to a slo-pitch tournament.

"I never knew there were so many ways to raise money," said Shaubel.

To date, the team has raised approximately $7,000 with still several fundraisers on tap, including a slo-pitch tournament in Stevensville Aug. 23 and a roast beef dinner at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre September 4. The shortfall will be split among the 10 people making the trip.

"I find it's really bringing the team closer together," said Shaubel about all the fundraisers. "This will be their last year of high school, so it will be a great final trip for them to remember.

"They've been in the volleyball program since they were in Grade 9, most of them."

Shaubel added that the parents of all the girls of the team and members of the community have supported the trip all the way with many local businesses making to donations to a recent golf tournament.

"Our school is very community oriented and a lot of the community has stepped up and helped us out and the parents have been great, without them we wouldn't have been able to do any of this," said Shaubel.