Paynter for its Federation Cup team heading to the Dominican Republic in May.

Or so says Danielle Paynter.

Dismissing notions that she is too young to represent the Island in the premier tennis competition for women, the 15-year-old maintained yesterday that just the opposite was true.

"I think they should even pick us younger,'' said Paynter, taking a two-week break from studies at Emma Willard boarding school in Troy, New York.

Indications are the BLTA is listening.

This year's Fed Cup team -- to be announced next week -- will see at least two changes from the one that made its debut in last year's competition. Gone are veterans Gill Butterfield and Donna Bradshaw, opening the door for the likes of Paynter or Tara Lambert, also 15.

Pointing to professional women's players as young 14, Paynter figures the future of Bermuda tennis would be well served by tossing kids into the international fire.

"If we want to do well, we have to go with the juniors,'' she said. "This way, by the time we're 20 and in our prime, we'll have all that experience and know what to expect.

"Even if I go out on the court and get blown away, it's not going to destroy my confidence. It would be an honour for me to just to be selected and get a chance to represent my country.'' And Paynter, who turns 16 on April 9, has more than confidence going from her.

Since first picking up a racquet at age 10, she's been on the fast track to success.

She was fourth as the only Bermuda representative at the ITF under-14 Caribbean championships two years ago and last summer won every local junior tournament she entered. At Emma Willard, she is the numer one singles player and was named MVP of the school tennis team last season, moving up to a number four ranking in the district.

"There are some amazing juniors out there in New York,'' she said. " I'm just lucky to have the opportunity to hit with them.'' "I've accomplished a lot in my short tennis career. I've played a lot of adult tournaments in the past year and that's helped me, so when the opportunity comes I'll be ready to go to the Dominican Republic and give it my all.'' Paynter will hit with Kim Simmons -- expected to get her second straight Fed Cup opportunity -- tomorrow in what is seen as a test for not only Paynter's skills but also the sprained ankle she suffered early in the year.

Debbie Darrell, ranked number one locally last season after being left off the Fed Cup squad, and Kelly Holland, figure to get the other two spots. Jerome Bradshaw returns as coach for the second straight year.

PRIZE PUPIL -- After a strong season at her Troy, New York, boarding school, 15-year-old Danielle Paynter is on the Island this week preparing for a possible berth on the Bermuda Federation Cup team.