Abby Moose had no idea the Deaflympics existed.

But thanks to someone in Arizona who knew about Moose, she'll be embarking on a trip to Australia to represent the United States.

Moose, who will be a senior at Grove City College this fall, was selected for the U.S. Deaflympics women's basketball team that will compete in the 20th Summer Deaflympics in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 6 through 15.

The U.S. Deaf Sports Federation selected the 12 team members and three alternates.

Wolverines coach Melissa Lamie passed along the information to Moose.

"Coach forwarded an e-mail from a lady in Arizona. She said 'We know you have a girl on your team that might qualify for the team. Have her contact us,'" Moose said.

As it turned out, there was no tryout to attend after all.

"We were supposed to have a training camp and try out with all 15 players," said Moose. "I was one of the 12. I figured if I stink it up, one of the others would take my spot.

"I had to send in a 10-page profile and took a shot in the dark for the selection," Moose added.

To qualify for the team, members must have a hearing loss of 55 decibels or greater. Moose has a hearing loss of 60 to 90 decibels, which is considered moderate to severe hearing loss.

The competition itself will not concern Moose, she said.

"What worries me is before and after the games. Just finding out where to go and things like that," she said.

Moose has been scrimmaging with some teams and has gotten used to playing without a hearing aid, one of the stipulations for eligibility.

"It levels out the playing field," said Moose. "I don't know much sign language.

"I've been playing in a summer league with girls in Grove City and I've been trying that (playing without a hearing aid). I've tried before and no one noticed.

"It should be interesting," Moose added.

Moose lettered her first three years with the Wolverines. As a junior, she was a first-team Presidents' Athletic Conference selection. She led the team in scoring (12.5 points per game), 3-pointers (43), steals (65) and minutes (28.8 per game).

Moose is 10th on the school's all-time scoring list (871) and holds the Grove City record for 3-pointers in a season (62) and career (138).

Moose will report to training camp Dec. 20 through 24 at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, Calif., before heading to Melbourne Dec. 26.

But for the time being, Moose will spend time practicing as well as raising money for the trip, which will cost about $4,500.

"That's for the actual Olympics, then I hope for a little more to go to California for training camp," she said.

"My uncle stepped it up and called some people in the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs in Wilmington.

"I've sent out a lot of letters, because a lot of people didn't know this existed, either," she added.

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