The 21-year-old has just been offered a six-month scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport, following impressive performances in the infield at the Gilley’s Shield national championships.

Bulger will fly to Brisbane next weekend for an AIS induction involving fitness testing, medical check-ups and a briefing of what will be expected of her under the elite softball program.

She will also find out which AIS squad members will tour New Zealand in April for the international Southern Cross Challenge, and has her fingers crossed she might be included.

Away from sport, Bulger has just started her first year of a physiotherapy degree at Monash University’s peninsula campus in Frankston.

It was the realisation of another long-held goal, as she had spent three years studying to try to get into the course.

“Two of my dreams have happened in the space of two months,’’ she told The Advertiser.

“I have wanted to be a physiotherapist ever since I was in about Grade 3.’’

On the softball diamond, Bulger’s form at second base and short stop during the four-carnival Gilley’s Shield competition caught the eye of AIS selectors.

Her Victorian Titans team finished fifth overall out of six teams, but Bulger was solid in the field and a big improver with the bat.

She was invited to an AIS training camp earlier this year, and was thrilled when she was named in the 23-member squad last week.

“I can’t believe it - it is awesome,’’ she said of her scholarship.

“It means a lot more training for me, which is great because usually I would have some time off (over winter) but now I can keep training right through.’’

While the AIS softball squad is co-ordinated from Brisbane, athletes are able to remain in their home cities to follow the training program developed for them.

It includes a mix of Beijing Olympians and young up-and-comers, and is focused on redeveloping the Australian softball team for the 2010 world titles in Oklahoma City.

“This is the first time for me being involved in something like this, so it is very exciting to get this opportunity,’’ Bulger said.

“I am going to work really, really hard and see how I go.’’