Andy was born on November 27, 1987 in Chicago , to Marty and Lorraine Pacocha. In his early elementary school years he was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), which contributes to his occasional behavioral difficulties. In fourth grade Andy began attending a school with an academic program suited for students with challenges like his. Now a sophomore, Andy is thriving in school and may begin taking some classes in his home high school district in technology and mechanics. His strong technical abilities make him a computer whiz and a gadget guru. He has a sharp mind that he uses to assemble all kinds of things and build fantastic constructions. He enjoys watching Japanese animation videos in his spare time.

Andy took an interest in golf at the age of three when he received his first set of golf clubs-Fisher-Price brand! He's growing up during the Tiger Woods era, and the worldwide excitement over Tiger hits home with Andy. He enjoys following Tiger's achievements and the frenzy when he comes to Illinois . Andy owns his own equipment, yet likes trying out new clubs. He will be experimenting with some equipment that was donated by the USGA in his NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association) golf instruction program this summer.

Andy first joined the NISRA golf program at about age 10. It wasn't long before he began competing in golf through the regional Special Olympics program and qualified to advance to state. He has won two bronze medals at the Illinois Special Olympics State Games, in 1998 and 2000. According to Andy, one of his greatest accomplishments has been competing at the State Games because he knows he's a strong player. Since the ratings are established by score, not age, most of Andy's competitors have been athletes in their 20s and he lost his match in the final round to a 39-year-old.

In 2002, after learning of a friend and his dad who were involved in the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, Andy took a new direction with the game. In the Special Olympics Unified Golf program, a player with a disability partners with a player without a disability, so Andy and his dad, Marty, decided to register to play. Unified Golf has been a thrill for both Andy and his dad, and they finished second in the qualifier in their very first year of competition. Andy comments that what he is most looking forward to during this year's golf season is qualifying for Unified Golf at the state level again.

The Unified Golf competition has been a natural extension of Andy's participation in the sport. He often plays with his dad and his uncles, both locally and on courses in states where the family travels on vacation. With summer vacation under way, he's visiting the driving range and working on his game at Boone Creek Golf Club, the local course he frequents.

When asked about his favorite thing about the game, Andy replies, "watching the ball fly right after a great drive, and seeing where it lands." With his enthusiasm, his strong drives across blue skies should lead him to a bright future.