Empty [UCF] football stadium with green field, white lines, and a large digital scoreboard in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

I’m Andrew Cherico

A smiling man [Andrew Cherico] is sitting in a motorized wheelchair against a dark green background, wearing glasses, a white T-shirt, and jewelry.

A journalist, motivational speaker, and advocate who believes in the power of storytelling to connect people and inspire change. I’m currently a junior majoring in journalism at the University of Central Florida, and my work has already been featured by outlets such as Sports Illustrated’s Orlando Magic site, UCF’s CBS 247Sports affiliate, the New York Times, and most recently Fox. Covering sports is where I feel most at home, whether I’m breaking down the latest game, analyzing a team’s season, or diving into the stories that unfold off the field.

What drives me most is going beyond the box score. I love shining a light on the human side of sports, the resilience of athletes, the communities that rally around them and the lessons their journeys can teach us all. My writing reflects my belief that sports aren’t just entertainment; they’re a mirror of perseverance, hope, and connection. That perspective has shaped projects like my deep dive on the New York Jets, my storytelling of UCF Athletics, and my coverage with the Orlando Magic.

Outside of journalism, I’m deeply committed to advocacy and motivational speaking. As someone living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, I proudly serve on the Adult Advisory Council for Cure SMA, using my platform to raise awareness, empower others, and show that perseverance has no limits. That mission has carried over into public speaking, where I’ve had the privilege of addressing audiences of all ages and sizes about resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity. Speaking has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, giving me the chance to connect on a personal level and hopefully inspire those who hear my story.

Along the way, I’ve built meaningful relationships in the sports world, learning from and connecting with some of the very best people like Shaquem Griffin, Tom Rinaldi, Robert Griffin III, Bruce Feldman, Deion Sanders, Andy Staples, and Russell Westbrook. These connections reflect not just where I’ve been, but also the type of legacy I want to build: one rooted in relationships, community, and elevating others.

Of course, I’m also just Andrew. Outside of work, I love going to games, keeping up with the latest fashion styles, and spending time with my fraternity brothers. I’m a gamer at heart, a family-first kind of person, and an outgoing individual. If I’m not writing or speaking, chances are I’m out with friends or family, sharing laughs and making memories.

Looking ahead, my goals are to keep growing as a sports reporter, to expand my reach as a motivational speaker, to inspire the next generation, and to represent my communities with pride. Above all, I want to create a legacy that combines my love for storytelling with my commitment to people.

This site is just the beginning, and I’d love for you to be part of this journey with me. Thanks for stopping by, I’m only getting started, and I can’t wait to share what’s next!

Let's Connect!

Follow my work below!

Photograph of Deion Sanders, a former football player, wearing a gray suit, black t-shirt with a gold chain, and a black cap with a logo, standing next to a man with glasses and a black shirt, both smiling. The background shows seating in an indoor stadium or arena. Text overlay discusses Sanders giving a student reporter a life-changing moment.
Andrew Cherico sitting on a motorized wheelchair on a football field, smiling, with a stadium in the background decorated for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including pink banners and a pink ribbon on a large sign.
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Instagram
A smiling Andrew Cherico in a wheelchair on a basketball court, with children and adults in the background, some holding basketballs and some practicing shooting, in an indoor arena.
A young man sitting in a motorized wheelchair on a football field, smiling, with a large National Championship Trophy on a table beside him, under stadium lights at night.
Sports Illustrated
CBS Knights 247
Three individuals sitting in a panel, with the middle person speaking into a microphone, surrounded by camera recording equipment.
Two young men smiling and posing with peace signs in front of dark curtains, one seated in a wheelchair, both wearing casual streetwear.
Sons Of UCF
Roundtable Sports

I’m available for speaking engagements, interviews, freelance writing, and collaboration opportunities. Just share a few details, and we'll be in touch soon. We're excited to connect with you!

You can also support my work directly through Venmo @andrewcherico.

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