FEATURE: Where Else Would You Rather Be? Loftis Makes Impact as Voice of the Lions

Since he was eight years old, Brett Loftis knew his passion lied within the field of broadcasting. 

Loftis set foot on Piedmont’s campus in 2019 as a freshman and quickly made a name for himself. Within a short year, he was referred to as “the voice of the Lions,” with his infectious enthusiasm generating rave reviews from parents and students alike.

“It’s been a great honor having Brett as our play-by-play commentator,” said Piedmont men’s basketball senior Aaron Palmer. “He’s quickly become the voice of Piedmont athletics and has sparked energy throughout the department.”

Loftis calls almost every sport at Piedmont, but baseball has always been his passion, as his broadcasts have brought about national attention to Demorest as well as Loftis himself.

Last season, Piedmont baseball was in the middle of a defensive duel with Adrian College that would ultimately last 14 innings. The Lions were trailing the nationally-ranked Bulldogs 4-3 in the bottom of the 11th inning. With two outs and two runners on, Carter Ballstadt stepped to the plate and hit a ground ball to the first baseman and well… We will let Brett take it from here.

It was a play that looked eerily similar to the remarkable ending to 2020’s World Series Game Four.

The famous call ended with a saying that has now become a trademark, “Goodness gracious alive, where else would you rather be?”

After the game, Loftis received an incredible amount of love from players and parents. However, he did not know the extent to which he had received accolades.

While Loftis’ calling card may be baseball, he has also widened his arsenal, expanding into calling Piedmont basketball, softball and even stepping into the booth to call soccer as well.

“Brett has been an invaluable addition to our department and has only continued to improve his craft,” Danielle Percival, Assistant AD of Communications stated. “His passion is undeniable and contagious as he puts viewers in the middle of the action.”

In addition to Piedmont athletics staff and students, more appreciation of Loftis’ work has been expressed by parents of Lion student athletes. 

“Brett has been a huge addition to the Mane Event Broadcasting team for Piedmont,” said Amy Ballstadt, mother of current pitcher/center fielder Carter Ballstadt and former All-American Brady Ballstadt (2016-19). “His broadcasts bring a great combination of player and team statistics, fun facts and explosive and energetic play-by-play that engages both fans at home and in the stands.”

As an athletic community that houses players from all over the country including California, Connecticut, Ohio and Indiana, his love for the green and gold allows families to feel as if they are attending games in person while far away from the action.

“His enthusiasm and passion for Piedmont athletics is palpable and provides a tangible feel to a broadcast which puts our home athletic events in the homes of families across the country,” Head Women’s Soccer Coach and Assistant Athletic Director Timmy McCormack said.

Loftis has left not only an impact here at Piedmont University, but also a legacy that will live on within the history of the institution. One could argue that Piedmont gets its roar from the voice of the Lions.