Profiles of Tenacity: Christian Andrade

Fourth-year student Christian Andrade is passionate about winning. As he endeavors into his professional boxing and reporting careers, he also finds joy in coaching young boxers.

Why did you choose your major? 

In high school, I was the head sports anchor of Wildcat News at Richmond Hill High School. This was where I initially fell in love with broadcasting. It was also when I fell in love with boxing. One of the main issues with boxing is that to succeed in the sport, you must have an established fanbase to sell tickets and views. It doesn’t matter how good you are if no one wants to see you fight. I had a vision of the future about two years ago. I was a well-known reporter at a reputable news station in a big city. This will give me the audience I need to sell tickets for my fights when I turn pro, while also allowing me to do what I love: Journalism. Ever since I had my vision, I’ve put all my eggs into boxing and journalism. 

What does tenacity mean to you?

To me, tenacity means having grit, determination and discipline. To strive for success no matter what the circumstances are. Someone with a lot of tenacity is someone with a winning mindset.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students? 

Surround yourself with successful people who want you to succeed, too. These are people who are more experienced than you and who want you to learn from their experiences. Sometimes I don’t see certain things when I’m fighting. But I always make sure to listen to my coach from the corner, because I know that he sees things that I don’t, and he genuinely wants what’s best for me. You need people in your corner who want you to win as much as you do, someone who can see what you can’t when you’re in the ring. Invest in the right people and they will invest in you. 

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA? What are you passionate about?

Being a Ninja coach at Oconee Gymnastics Center is my passion. Coaching kids has made a tremendous impact on my life. It has forced me to learn how to be a role model. There’s nothing better than teaching valuable life lessons to the kids, and then watching them grow and succeed. I think it is important to have a mentor and to be one too.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I’ll be the face of news and boxing in a big city. I will be a great reporter, or possibly an anchor by then. I’ll probably have about 15 fights by then, and I’ll be undefeated with at least 12 knockouts. If I have not already won American Ninja Warrior by then, that will be the year I win it.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

That’s a tough question. I can’t decide on whether it is winning the 2024 Innovator Award presented by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, or becoming the Southeast Regional Champion of the Golden Gloves of America. I also qualified for World Ninja League regionals alongside nine kids who I coach. Honestly, my biggest accomplishment has probably been how much closer I’ve gotten to God in the past year. Through him, I can accomplish anything.

Who is your favorite Grady professor and why?

I would like to start by saying that every professor I’ve had at Grady has been phenomenal. I truly believe that Grady has some of the best journalism professors in the world. With that being said I have to go with Professor Cantrell. Without her, I don’t think I would’ve ever committed to journalism. I remember one time I told her about how I was second-guessing going into journalism because the average journalist only made 44k a year:

“Well, are you going to be an average journalist? Or are you going to be the best?” she said to me. 

I haven’t looked back since. I’m going to be the best.

Editor: Jin Lee | jin.lee2@gmail.com