Now that Amber Sutherland made a decision on which college to attend, she can concentrate on high school.

And, hopefully, winning a state championship as a Demon.

The three-sport Glenwood Springs High School star has verbally committed to play volleyball at the University of Colorado next fall. Sutherland said she would receive a full-ride athletic scholarship from the university.

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Sutherland added the decision to play for CU, “came down to having the right feeling about it.”

CU, due to NCAA rules, cannot comment on the status of a high school recruit until they have official signed a letter-of-intent. The first opportunity women’s volleyball recruits to sign with a NCAA-sanctioned university or college is Nov. 12.

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It lays to rest a decision, the GSHS senior has pondered the entire summer.

For the last two years, Sutherland has received inquiries to play volleyball from Division I schools UCLA, Southern California, Colorado State and CU. She has also gotten letters from smaller colleges in Colorado and other states to play volleyball and participate in track in the spring.

“It came down to volleyball because that’s what I like doing,” said Sutherland.

While playing on the West Coast was intriguing, Sutherland wanted to stay in state, because “I’ll be able to come home a little more.”

The option to play for Colorado State was still open. But, what sealed the deal for Sutherland was an opportunity to work out with the Buffaloes’ volleyball team after attending summer camp in Boulder.

“I had a chance to stay after the camp was over and scrimmage with the team. It was really fun. Everyone on the team was at the same level and everyone gives it their all. They are there for a purpose,” Sutherland said of the college players. “And I intend to rise to the occasion.”

The decision allows Sutherland to focus on high school athletics.

“The burden’s off me and I can enjoy my senior year,” she said. “Now, I have to get all my things worked out.”

One of those things is helping Glenwood return to the state volleyball playoffs.

“This is the best group of girls I’ve ever worked with,” said Sutherland. “We’re all determined to go to state and bring a state championship back.”