This Sutherlin High School senior’s talent and leadership on the volleyball court has earned her the title of Douglas County Sports Online’s first-ever Athlete Spotlight.

On September 2, Amanda Hutchings helped lead the Sutherlin Bulldogs to a season opening victory over Oakland with 16 kills, nine digs and three service aces. It was a great way for the Bulldogs to start the season especially after a disappointing 2007 campaign.

 

“Last year was a struggle, but now we’re working together as a team,” Hutchings said. “We are talking on the court and our team passing has improved a lot.”

 

Sutherlin Head Coach Stacy LeFevre knows Hutchings better than anyone else and she has nothing but praise for her senior leader.

 

“Amanda serves well, she passes well, she is very powerful at the net and her court awareness is amazing.” LeFevre said. “She’s one of those all-around players that can do everything.”

 

The Bulldogs have high hopes for 2008 and a lot of the team’s success will fall on the shoulders of this very talented athlete.

 

“I’m one of the only seniors on this team, so I have to be a leader,” Hutchings said. “I’m not super vocal, so I just try to stay calm and not get mad.”