Number 31
5/1/2024 11:15:00 AM | General, Women's Volleyball, The People
It's more than just a jersey number for Eloise Brandewie.
When freshman Eloise Brandewie steps onto the volleyball court, she wears more than just a number. Her jersey reads 31 – the same number that her father, Tom Brandewie, wore on the Ohio State men's basketball team… exactly 31 years ago.
The Brandewie family has always had a competitive spirit. Tom played forward for the Buckeyes from 1989-1993, and was a captain during his senior year. Hence, Eloise grew up in a household of athletes. Tom was her dad, coach and biggest fan.
"Since [my dad] was so into sports, I think I was born to be an athlete. That's how I became who I am today. Learning from him and being in that atmosphere was so important for my career."
Brandewie's athletic journey started with basketball. With her dad to look up to, she was always playing outside with her neighbors and being thrown in at boys' practice. A couple years after trying volleyball, though, she realized it was where her heart was.
"I just had so much fun playing it. The longer I played, the more I realized I could have fun and be really good. I got some great opportunities, which ultimately led me to choose volleyball."
Brandewie's impressive career speaks for itself. Growing up in Columbus, she received her first collegiate volleyball offer from Ohio State when she was in eighth grade. She went on to earn several awards in high school, play competitive club volleyball and even win a bronze medal with Team USA.
On her time with Team USA, Brandewie explained, "I can't even put that feeling into words. I got to compete with the best players in the country while I was still in high school. Representing my country was such an honor and I met some of my best friends."
Last season, Brandewie made her mark on the Buckeyes. Even as a freshman, her elite experience and ability to bring her teammates together made her a leader. Brandewie played in all 108 sets, led the Buckeyes with 90 blocks and had four matches with 10+ kills as a middle blocker. From here, she aims to continue getting better and competing at the highest level.
"A motto I play by is 'win the moment'. It's easy to get caught up in mistakes, so I always keep that in the back of my mind. It helps me see the bigger picture," Brandewie said.
With every one of her triumphs, Brandewie's family stands behind her. They are her support system, role models and biggest fans. When she chose her jersey number last season, number 31 helped her bring her dad's impact to every single match.
"Wearing my dad's number reminds me of why I'm here and why I play the game. It's so much bigger than volleyball. It just makes stepping out on the court so much more meaningful. I think it's so cool that he gets to come watch me play in it."
Thirty-one years after his senior season, Brandewie has continued her father's legacy. At the same time, she has started one of her own. On and off the court, the Brandewies' connection to Ohio State Athletics allows the two of them to overlap their love for each other with their love for the Buckeyes.
Eloise's jersey number will always hold a deeper meaning. A connection to her dad, a reminder of her support system and a symbol of her own blossoming career – there is so much more to number 31 than meets the eye.
The Brandewie family has always had a competitive spirit. Tom played forward for the Buckeyes from 1989-1993, and was a captain during his senior year. Hence, Eloise grew up in a household of athletes. Tom was her dad, coach and biggest fan.
"Since [my dad] was so into sports, I think I was born to be an athlete. That's how I became who I am today. Learning from him and being in that atmosphere was so important for my career."
Brandewie's athletic journey started with basketball. With her dad to look up to, she was always playing outside with her neighbors and being thrown in at boys' practice. A couple years after trying volleyball, though, she realized it was where her heart was.
"I just had so much fun playing it. The longer I played, the more I realized I could have fun and be really good. I got some great opportunities, which ultimately led me to choose volleyball."
Brandewie's impressive career speaks for itself. Growing up in Columbus, she received her first collegiate volleyball offer from Ohio State when she was in eighth grade. She went on to earn several awards in high school, play competitive club volleyball and even win a bronze medal with Team USA.
On her time with Team USA, Brandewie explained, "I can't even put that feeling into words. I got to compete with the best players in the country while I was still in high school. Representing my country was such an honor and I met some of my best friends."
Last season, Brandewie made her mark on the Buckeyes. Even as a freshman, her elite experience and ability to bring her teammates together made her a leader. Brandewie played in all 108 sets, led the Buckeyes with 90 blocks and had four matches with 10+ kills as a middle blocker. From here, she aims to continue getting better and competing at the highest level.
"A motto I play by is 'win the moment'. It's easy to get caught up in mistakes, so I always keep that in the back of my mind. It helps me see the bigger picture," Brandewie said.
With every one of her triumphs, Brandewie's family stands behind her. They are her support system, role models and biggest fans. When she chose her jersey number last season, number 31 helped her bring her dad's impact to every single match.
"Wearing my dad's number reminds me of why I'm here and why I play the game. It's so much bigger than volleyball. It just makes stepping out on the court so much more meaningful. I think it's so cool that he gets to come watch me play in it."
Thirty-one years after his senior season, Brandewie has continued her father's legacy. At the same time, she has started one of her own. On and off the court, the Brandewies' connection to Ohio State Athletics allows the two of them to overlap their love for each other with their love for the Buckeyes.
Eloise's jersey number will always hold a deeper meaning. A connection to her dad, a reminder of her support system and a symbol of her own blossoming career – there is so much more to number 31 than meets the eye.
Players Mentioned
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