Fort Loramie senior outside hitter Avery Brandewie spikes during a Division VII regional semifinal against Russia on Thursday at Fairborn High School’s Skyhawk Arena. Brandewie is the November Sidney Daily News Athlete of the Month, sponsored by Andrew Shaffer State Farm Agency. She is a two-sport standout and was recently named first team all-Shelby County Athletic League. She was first team all-Ohio in Division IV in girls basketball last season and was named SCAL player of the year.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
FAIRBORN — Fort Loramie’s senior outside hitter Avery Brandewie notched herself All-Ohio honors in 2023 in Division IV for her basketball skills.
This season, she looks to lead the Fort Loramie volleyball team to a state title and in the process has taken the honors as Sidney Daily News Athlete of the Month for November. The honor is sponsored by State Farm Insurance Agent Andrew Shaffer.
“We’ve been together since such a young age, we all love each other and go out there and do our thing. Fort Loramie volleyball is a community for us, we’re there for everyone’s ups and downs.”
Last season Brandewie led the team with 67 serving aces and 243 digs but has slightly shifted roles this year.
“Last year we lost a lot of hitters and I felt like I needed to step up my offense,” Brandewie said. “But, we’re such a diverse team that we don’t just have one hitter, we can all spread out and anyone can take on that role.”
Entering Thursday’s match, Brandewie led Loramie with 246 kills on the season and averaged a team best 3.8 kills per set. She closely trailed senior Katie Luthman in digs with 195 to Luthmans’ 199.
Following Thursday’s Division VII regional semifinal against Russia, Brandewie has helped her team dominate; the squad has lost only one set since Aug. 17.
“All of us on the team know we have to work hard the entire season to get to our goal,” Brandewie said following Thursday’s game. “You grow throughout the season of course, but the goal and hunger stays the same until its done.”
Brandewie’s efforts have helped Fort Loramie’s girls basketball program to a D-IV state championship in the 2023-24 season.
“Avery has excelled on the court and in the classroom,” Fort Loramie girls basketball head coach Carla Siegel said. “She is an excellent leader and heen captain of the basketball team her junior and senior seasons. She is encouraging with her teammates and is selfless on the court.
“She brings out the best in others and exemplifies hard work and determination with her effort in practice and games. She makes huge impacts when she is in the game and Fort Loramie is fortunate to have her as a student-athlete.”
In her junior year of basketball, Brandewie averaged 10.5 points per game and nabbed an average of six rebounds as well.
The Fort Loramie volleyball team is currently in the hunt for a regional title and possibly more as it takes on the Jackson Center Tigers in a Division VII regional final on Saturday.
“My leadership skills and leaving it all out on the court,” Brandewie said when asked about what she is most proud of in her time with Fort Loramie. “You only have so many years on the court. I think laying it out and giving it my all is truly my best moment.”
ANDREW SHAFFER STATE FARM ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Who: Avery Brandewie
School: Fort Loramie
Grade: Senior
Accolades: First team all-SCAL in volleyball this season, second team selection in 2023. SCAL player of the year in girls basketball in 2023-24, first team all-Ohio in Div. IV. Also first team all-SCAL in 2022-23.
Reach assistant editor/sports writer Ryan Harless at 937-538-4651 or follow @RyanHarless_ on X (formerly Twitter).
