Cedar Rapids Jefferson sophomore Amanda Ollinger is this week's winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school girls, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Ollinger is a star volleyball player for the J-Hawks and ranks second in the state with 460 kills, trailing only Mikaela Foecke of Holy Trinity. Ollinger, 6-foot-1, is tied for second in the state with 5.9 kills per set.

Ollinger has helped Jefferson compile a 15-17 record this season under new Coach Mary Kay Van Oort after finishing with a 4-32 mark last year.

Ollinger averaged 7.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 2.1 assists for the Jefferson basketball team last season as a freshman. She already has scholarship offers from Iowa and Drake.

Here is our Question-&-Answer session with Amanda Ollinger:

MSR: What has been your favorite individual highlight in sports?

AMANDA: It was being invited to play up on a Nike National team with All Iowa Attack basketball in Augusta, S.C. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to have the chance to play at such a high level and to meet talented athletes from across the country. All Iowa Attack has taught me many things about basketball skills, communication with other players and coaches, and especially in becoming a leader.

MSR: What has been your favorite team highlight in sports?

AMANDA: I have been blessed with numerous opportunities to meet amazing people that are influential. I can't wait to see what the future holds for me in the upcoming years. As far as volleyball, it is being a part of this year's Jefferson volleyball team under our new coach, Mary Kay Van Oort. My favorite memory so far this year is our first MVC win.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence on your sports career?

AMANDA: My parents are the biggest influence in my life on and off the court. They influence me to be the best that I can be whether it's in school or on the court. They taught me that if you work hard then good things willcome.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

AMANDA: My future goals in sports are to reach my full potential and continue to play beyond high school into college, whether it's volleyball or basketball.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

AMANDA: My favorite classes in school are math and project lead the way, because I want to become an electrical or computer science engineer when I get older.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

AMANDA: My family and I enjoy participating yearly in the Especially For You walk and the MS walk.