Imagine players stuck on the sidelines, games going unplayed, and the Liberty students with no one to cheer for. This is where Liberty would be without Mike Andre. 

Mike Andre has been the Liberty sports announcer for fifteen years, but he wasn’t always an announcer or a Washingtonian.

“I’m from Massachusetts. I went to Bridgewater State University for a year and a half. Then I enlisted in the Navy,” Andre said. 

After serving his country, Andre changed his path and became a computer support and database designer at Boeing. He didn’t stop there. After retirement, he moved to North Bend, Washington where he was first introduced to announcing. 

“One year, I knew the parent announcer at Mount Si High School because his daughter played on the volleyball team. I told his daughter that he should say more into the microphone. The next year, she volunteered me for the job,” Andre said. 

His new job set him up for success, as Andre moved to Renton in 2008 and sent his resume out to all the local schools. 

“I now announce at Liberty High School, Pierce College in Puyallup, and Highline College in Des Moines,” Andre said.

As the announcer for every Liberty sport, Andre has trouble deciding which sport is his favorite to announce for.

“I love all the sports,” Andre said, “but my favorite is probably volleyball because every thirty seconds there’s something new to say.”

While every game has its own excitement, Andre has one night that will always be special to him.

“Every night, every game is different. They’re always exciting,” Andre said. “I love senior nights though. I like reading the kids’ bios and getting to tell their stories.”

Andre continues to keep the Liberty games running. Without him, Liberty wouldn’t have someone to start the clock, keep the players updated, or have anyone as dedicated to Liberty sports.

“I like starting the games, supporting the schools, and everything about the regular season,” Andre said. 

Next time you show up to support the Liberty Patriots, look out for Andre and listen to his voice cheering on Liberty’s teams.

“My favorite thing to say? That’s easy,” Andre said. “‘Please welcome, your Liberty Patriots.’”

Caption: 

Mic’d up: Mike Andre prepares to announce the boys’ basketball game between the Liberty Patriots and their rivals, the Hazen Highlanders.