The Frankfort Station Editor, Amanda Battaglia, talks with Amanda Dolan, a middle blocker on the Lincoln-Way Central High School varsity girls Volleyball team. The junior had a match high of 13 blocks, three kills and an ace against the Lincoln-Way West High School volleyball team on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Amanda Battaglia: How old were you when you started playing volleyball?

Amanda Dolan: I was in fifth grade.

AB: Why did you start to play?

AD: I really just liked to see everyone hit the ball and it looked like a lot of fun and I started to get really good.

AB: What is your favorite part of the game? Why?

AD: My favorite part of the game is probably blocking because I like the feeling of denying a hit.

AB: Describe what it feels like to successfully block an opponent.

AD: It feels like you are protecting the back row and no one can get past you.

AB: What is your least favorite part of the game? Why?

AD: Probably not being able to get a pass up because that's the worse part of my game.

AB: What do you do to improve on getting passes up?

AD: [The team] does drills for defense and serve receives and we are really getting better at it.

AB: Did you think the team would beat Lincoln-Way West High School this year?

AD: Oh yeah. We were certainly hoping so, but I feel like we were a better team and feel we practiced harder.

AB: Was it difficult or easy to beat the Warriors?

AD: At first it was difficult trying to get over their good hitters, but once we got rolling it started to get a lot easier.

AB: Do you currently play any other sports?

AD: No, I play volleyball all year round. I play for the Ultimate Volleyball Club.

AB: Is there a reason you never tried any other sports?

AD: Well, when I was younger I played basketball and then I decided to play volleyball full time to get better at it.

AB: Do you think you made a good decision to play it full time?

AD: Oh yeah, definitely. Because I can just focus on volleyball.

AB: What are some techniques you use during the game to help the team score?

AD: I don't have any particularly, but since I like to start out hitting, if I'm in a bad situation I tip it to a certain spot and get a kill a lot.

AB: Do you plan to play volleyball after high school?

AD: Yes, I am hoping to play for some college.

AB: Would you ever like to play professionally after college?

AD: I would love to play professionally, but I don't know if it's possible.

AB: Is there a famous athlete you look up to?

AD: Probably Michael Jordan because he is really inspirational. All his quotes show he inspires you to get better and to keep trying even though you might not succeed at first.

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