While she won't be the tallest player on her new team, she hopes to use her superior shooting and ball handling skills to build a successful collegiate career south of the border.

The Grade 12 Bishop Tonnos student has verbally committed to a scholarship offer from the University of Rhode Island, an Atlantic 10 conference school of the NCAA. She plans to major in graphic design.

Julia's coach, Mike Di Federico, said the six-foot-three forward is a well co-ordinated ball handler who shoots well from the field. Julia is the Titans' leading scorer.

Mr. Di Federico describes the star forward as a dedicated athlete and a bona fide leader.

In just four years, Julia has helped the lady Titans become one of the city's top high school basketball programs. Last year the Titans advanced to the OFSAA semifinals before losing to the third place team in the province.

"The coaching staff, team mates and student body are extremely proud of Julia and her accomplishments," Mr. Di Federico said.

Heading into this week's action the Titans were tied for first place in the regular season standings.

Julia also received scholarship offers from the University of Detroit, Sacred Heart and Fairfield, but chose Rhode Island after visiting the campus earlier this year.

"Their facilities are amazing," she said. "And the coaching staff is awesome."

The Rhode Island Rams are coached by former NBA player Tom Garrick. As a collegiate player, Garrick led the team to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1988 before losing to powerhouse Duke by one point.

At Rhode Island, Julia expects to play mainly as a guard, switching from the post position she's held at Bishop Tonnos for four years.

"You have to be closer to six-foot-five to be a post player there," she explained. "It's going to be a little new."

A representative from Rhode Island will be on hand at Julia's official signing ceremony Nov. 15 at Bishop Tonnos.