Brandy Anderson (2017) - Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics

Brandy Anderson

Induction:
2017

   Brandy Anderson was running out of recruiting trips.
   “I knew she had made visits to Clemson, Michigan and Penn State and had one or two more trips left,” said MSU’s all-time winningest volleyball coach Dave Gantt. “We knew Silver Springs, Maryland, was a long way from Bozeman, but we decided ‘why not fire a shot.’”
   Gantt had previously solidified a relationship with the Metro Volleyball Club out of Washington D.C., and had already received a commitment from setter Brooke Olsen. Gantt was looking for an offensive threat that could come into the Bobcat program and make an impact as a freshman.
   Anderson eagerly accepted the offer to visit Montana State and landed in Bozeman in early December. Gantt had an itinerary chock-full of activities to lure the coveted middle blocker to the Gallatin Valley.
   Little did Gantt know that in less than 24-hours he’d be getting a call in regards to his prized recruit. Anderson’s host during her stay informed Gantt that she was in the training room after colliding with a snowmobile. Gantt’s last recollection had Anderson inner-tubing near Bridger Bowl.
   “I wasn’t sure what I was going to find when I got to the training room,” Gantt said. “But there she was, laughing and having a good time and sporting a sizeable bruise in the shape of a sled runner. She wore it as a badge of courage.”
   The quintessential six-rotation player that went on to guide the Bobcat volleyball program to the upper-echelons of the Big Sky Conference wasn’t swayed to go elsewhere because of the mishap.
   “Everyone was so friendly and really took good care of me,” Anderson said. “I knew this was the place I wanted to be. I went back to Maryland with a good-sized bruise, but after talking it through with my parents, I committed to help building the program.”
   Anderson, who now resides in Lakeville, Minn., still holds the Bobcat record for most kills in a match with 40. She is also second all-time in career kills with 1,380. The three-time All-Big Sky performer is listed throughout the record book.
   But despite the on-court accolades, it’s what Anderson took away from Montana State that remains close to her heart.
   “It was a great investment in my life,” Anderson commented. “The leadership skills and competiveness are things that still get me through today. Overall, I wouldn’t change anything.”