Game, Set, Match: Medel’s Journey in Tennis and Beyond Spotlights National Girls and Women in Sports Day Share this page
For Andrea Medel, tennis was never just a sport – it was a gateway to opportunity, resilience, and self-discovery. On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the University of West Georgia celebrates inspiring women like Medel, whose passion for sports fueled her determination to break boundaries.
“Growing up, my uncle had a tennis academy, and I started playing at first just to exercise,” Medel explained. “I was 6 years old, and it was fun, but I stopped playing at 9. After trying other sports, I returned to tennis at 15.”
Returning wasn’t just about the sport—it was about opportunity.
“I always wanted to leave Mexico to study,” she recalled. “My uncle told me, ‘If we train hard, you can get a scholarship.’ So, I left my regular high school to train and attend school at his academy, practicing six hours a day to reach that goal.”
Her dedication paid off, leading her to study and play tennis abroad.
“I went to Canada to train while finishing high school and then ended up in the U.S.,” she said. “Tennis gave me so much. It wasn’t just the sport – it was the environment, the people, and the tournaments.”
Inspired by older mentors, Medel pursued college tennis. Transitioning from Mexico to the U.S. came with challenges, but she embraced them.
“I never wrote papers in English before college, and it was hard at first,” she said. “But my mom always taught me to be responsible, and my professors and coaches were extremely supportive.”
Tennis also instilled invaluable life lessons.
“One thing tennis taught me was to never give up,” she said. “Even when losing, I chased every ball. That made me a hard worker.”
Her transition from athlete to marketing professional was natural.
“At first, I didn’t know I wanted to do marketing,” she admitted. “I always loved graphic design but didn’t consider it seriously until my junior year when I started helping with social media for our team.”
Now a graduate assistant for UWG Athletics, Medel’s work impacts both the department and its fans.
“Andy’s work ethic and dedication to excellence have stood out to me,” said Jared Boggus, UWG’s sports information director. “She is always looking for ways to help and improve.”
Medel also emphasizes the importance of visibility for women in athletics.
“As the only woman on my team at work, I see how sports are often viewed as male-dominated,” she said. “But I believe women bring an invaluable perspective.”
Boggus agrees.
“I feel the industry has long had a stigma that it’s full of men, but women like Andy are helping change that,” he said.
Reflecting on her journey, Medel encourages young girls to persevere and gain experience.
“It’s all about hard work and not giving up. I faced rejection but kept pushing forward,” she advised. “For those wanting to break into athletics, I’d recommend starting with volunteering.”
As for her future, Boggus is confident.
“There is no limit to what Andy can do,” he concluded. “Her drive and teamwork set her up for success in any industry.”