She has been chosen to play for the Australian under-19s women's team, the Gems, and after four months of training, she is going on a tour of France in June, in preparation for the under-19s World Championship in 2009.

``Being accepted into the Gems was a huge stepping stone and the improvement in my game during the past four months has been amazing,'' she said.

``I think I'm in a good position to be selected for the world championship team. That's my ultimate goal and all games from now will be in preparation for that. The Australian Institute of Sport has really taught me a lot. I'm moving better on the court and my fitness level and physical strength have improved.''

Oliver was among 11 players chosen for the French tour.

The former Hills Hornets' player stepped on a court for her first international games last week against Chinese Taipei, which the Gems won.

The games (Gems scored 72-68 and 69-64) took place in Canberra on May 19 and 20 and Oliver said they were ``good for the first games of the new Gems team''.

``The French tour will be great preparation for the world championship. It will give our coach [Dean Kinsman] a chance to see what combinations work on the court,'' Oliver said.

The teen first stepped on a court at age seven, after her father, a former Melbourne Tigers player, suggested it.

The tour of France, from June 16 to July 1, will see the Gems play against Turkey, Czech Republic and Romania, among others.