For someone who was told she wouldn’t be able to play sports, Deianeira (Nara) Underhill has accomplished quite a lot. The varsity softball pitcher, catcher and outfielder plays on the Old Rochester Regional High School team and five travel teams as well as being a cheerleader.

Now, Underhill, a Rochester resident, has the chance to pitch at next summer’s 2015 Tuscany Tournament in Italy. She was chosen by USA Athletes International to be one of 14 members in her age bracket to play softball against a group of Italian peers.

“I was shocked that somebody picked me to be involved in it,” said Underhill, who isn’t sure what coach nominated her.

Underhill, a junior, said she is passionate about softball and chose Italy over a school trip to Paris.

"I’m able to relieve stress. It’s really enjoyable," she said.

At the end of July, Underhill will embark on the 10-day goodwill trip that includes sightseeing in Rome, Florence and the Vatican in addition to the softball tournament in Grosseto, Italy.

“What’s really cool is the fact that she has a disability and was told by the doctors in Boston that she wouldn’t be able to do sports, and now she’s going to represent the US in Italy as a pitcher,” said Underhill’s mom, Dawn.

Between now and July, Underhill will need to raise almost $4,100 for the cost of the trip. She has setup a page on Rally.org for donations and will also have a few fundraising events throughout the year. Visit the page here for more information or to give.