MIAMI (July 10, 2019) – FIU volleyball and beach volleyball Head Coach Rita Buck-Crockett announced the addition of Sophia Brandstetter (Muehldorf, Germany/North Alabama/Ruperti Gymnasium Muehldorf). Brandstetter, who will play both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball, is expected to make an immediate impact during the 2019 indoor and 2020 beach volleyball campaigns.

"I am so excited about Sophia," said Buck-Crockett. "She is such a passionate athlete and we will definitely gain athleticism, experience, skill, and heart with her addition."

Brandstetter, a 5-foot-11 sophomore who played outside hitter at North Alabama last season, played in the first six matches of the season before an injury sidelined her for the rest of the year. She averaged 2.33 kills-per-set as a true freshman. She added 37 digs and seven service aces.

During the beach season, Brandstetter posted a 15-7 record, with all 22 matches coming on the No. 1 court. She, and her partner, earned Second Team All-Atlantic Sun honors, while also being ranked No. 18 in the nation at the No. 1 position. 

Brandstetter prepped at Rupert-Gymnasium Muehldorf in Germany where she played both indoor and beach volleyball. She took part in 13 German championships, helping lead the indoor team to a third-place finish at the 2018 20U nationals and seven straight top-10 finishes in beach play. She also played beach in Italy in 2016 and participated in indoor tournaments in Italy in 2013 and Austria in 2015.

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