Andrews Strives for Success
At just 13 years old, Andy Andrews was already thinking about what all teenagers desire, their own car. His father made a bet with him that if he beat him in golf by the time he was 16, he would buy him a car; however, if he didn't, he had to wash his father's car once a week for a year. Andrews had considered playing golf, but it was his dad's bet that sealed the deal.
As the only senior on Dominion's golf team, his teammates and coaches were lucky that Andrews was already a natural leader. "He's a leader, no question about it," says Coach Ken Whittaker, "It's in his DNA." Not only is Andrews captain of the golf team, he also leads the Northern Virginia Chapter of DECA, an International Association of marketing students, as vice president. He carries that initiative through everything he does. He has an impressive 3.85 GPA, has received eight varsity letters (golf, swimming, and tennis), and maintains a job year round. Andrews even has plans to play lacrosse this spring season.
"I have played most sports over the course of my life and golf is by far the hardest," says Andrews, "I think the challenge of the game is what draws me to it."
This summer Andrews had five top 32 finishes in the Middle Atlantic PGA Titlist Junior Tour. His proudest moment, however, still remains from his freshman year. "The proudest moment of my golf career was being a member of the young, first year Dominion golf team that placed fourth at the Regional Tournament," says Andrews. In swimming Andrews was a part of the state qualifying 200-yard medley relay team and was a state finalist on the 200-yard freestyle relay team.
Andrews is lucky to have so much support from his friends, family, and coaches. "My family has always stood by me. I am very appreciative of them and everything that they do," says Andrews, "My friends also influence me a great deal. I always think of them when faced with a difficult decision and they always support me."
His friend even caddied for him once. "Andy is a great partner to work with during his game," says Billy Gatewood, "He always kept a positive attitude while I caddied for him at a tournament in Springfield"
Andrews has had three golf coaches over the course of his golfing experience: Kirk Lucas, Sean Welsh, and Ken Whittaker.
"My coaches have taught me a great deal not only about golf, but about life in general," says Andrews, "Coach Lucas showed me how to be a good person on and off the course, and has truly made me a better person over the years."
The experiences he's had with his coaches have had a positive impact on his life. "Coach Lucas told me, "you can't have regrets about the past, nor can you focus on the future; you have to focus on the present"
Andrews is an ambitious, yet fun guy to be around. He has a good sense of humor and is a fan of all sports. "I remember going to a Nationals game with him," says friend Katy Dixon, "It was so funny because Andy was really into the game and got even more into it when Alfonso Soriano got up to bat. We had so much fun!"
Andrews is always ready to take on any task, whether it's being the assistant coach of the Lowes Island Swim Team, or achieving his 100 hours of community service. "Andy is fun, not too serious, but he really wants to do well," says Whittaker. It's no surprise that Andrews is also a member of the National Honor Society.
"Some would think it would be hard to play four sports and have a job while being a full time student. I think that if I weren't so busy, I wouldn't function as well," says Andrews, "I would probably find less beneficial things to do in my spare time instead of focusing on school." Andrews is undecided on whether he wants to continue golf in college. "Right now my focus is finding the college of my choice and then getting into it," he says.
This year, Andrews hopes to advance to the state golf tournament. "I got off to a rocky start in the beginning of this season," says Andrews, "but I'm picking things up and hope to finish strong,"
