NewsTribune Athlete of the Week: La Salle-Peru’s Aubrey Duttlinger

La Salle-Peru sophomore Aubrey Duttlinger is a force for the Cavaliers as an outside hitter.

She came up big for L-P in the final week of the regular season to help the Cavs lock up the Interstate 8 Conference championship.

Duttlinger started the week with eight kills and a block in a nonconference win over Sterling, then had big nights in two conference matches with 11 kills against Rochelle and seven kills against Kaneland.

“Aubrey’s hitting was a huge factor in helping us win two conference matches last week to win the Interstate 8 title,” L-P coach Mark Haberkorn said. “She led the team in kills against Sterling, Rochelle and Kaneland. Aubrey’s hitting percentage was 67% against Rochelle and 55% against Kaneland. She was definitely a force who was very tough to stop.”

For her performance, Duttlinger was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Sullivan’s and Grasser’s Plumbing & Heating.

Duttlinger answered some questions from NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum.

When did you start playing volleyball and how did you get into it?

Duttlinger: I started playing volleyball around fourth grade. I started getting into volleyball because of my mom. She had coached a team ever since I was a baby so I grew up around volleyball.

What do you enjoy about playing volleyball?

Duttlinger: One thing I enjoy about volleyball is that it’s a mental game just as much as it is a physical game.

What makes you a good volleyball player?

Duttlinger: I believe having a good attitude at practice and showing up to improve every day is what makes me a great volleyball player.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Duttlinger: My favorite memory was this year at the Springfield tournament when we won the championship game in three sets. We also stayed the night at a hotel and it was a great bonding experience with my team.

Who is the best athlete you’ve ever competed against?

Duttlinger: The best athletes I have played against were last year’s outsides on Rock Falls. They were great at volleyball and super fun to compete against.

When you’re coming home from a road match, where is your favorite restaurant to stop and what do you get?

Duttlinger: My favorite place to stop on the way home is Culver’s and I get chicken tenders, fries and a Dr. Pepper.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Duttlinger: If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be Rome so I can go to the beaches and see the beautiful city.

What is your most played song recently?

Duttlinger: My most placed song recently is ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’ by Gracie Abrams.

What is a TV show or movie you never get tired of watching?

Duttlinger: One TV show I will never get tired of watching is “Gilmore Girls.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance last week?

Duttlinger: I believe the last week of volleyball was one of my best this season. With three games being home, I was very excited to play. Coming into the week I knew I had to play super good with regionals coming up. I felt super confident in my hitting and passing this week. My communication with teammates was strong, which helped us stay coordinated. Overall, I’m super proud of this team for a great last week of the regular season.