best selling author
Andre’ Hayes
In the winter of 2015, Andre published what was the
culmination of ten years of arduous work and soul searching,
and probably his most important and influential work to date:
“Six Months with Mommy: Chronicles from the
Battlefronts of Cancer.” The book is now available at
Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.
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Andre’ Hayes
Author
Biographical Sketch
Andre’ was raised in a single-parent household in South Central Los Angeles. Determined to shield him from the challenges of their environment, his mother made significant sacrifices to enroll him in parochial schools throughout his pre-college education. In the fall of 1981, Andre’ began his studies at the University of Washington, where he also played football under Head Coach Don James (1981–1985). However, the transition to the demanding life of a student-athlete proved difficult, and due to a lack of academic preparedness, he faced academic dismissal—twice.
It was during his time at Seattle Central Community College that Andre’ recognized the value of the educational opportunity before him. With renewed focus, he improved his academic standing and eventually returned to the University of Washington, earning a degree in Criminal Justice in 1987.
In 1996, Andre’ co-wrote and self-published his first book, The Sport of Learning. His second book, Your Brain is a Muscle Too!, was published by HarperCollins in 2001. He began teaching high school in 1997 and became a fully credentialed educator in 2005. He completed a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education in 2009 and is currently in the research phase of his PhD journey.
“Andre’ is a proud father of six children, three of whom he has been raising as a single father since the summer of 2012. He has since remarried and is ardently guiding his sons in their educational journey towards manhood. His upcoming book, Dad Interrupted: Divorce, Custody, and Fighting to Be a Father, is slated for release in 2025”.
"Published Work"
Six Months with Mommy
Chronicles From The Battle Of Cancer
Your brain is a muscle too
VINCE FUDZIE & ANDRE HAYES
The Sport of Learning
VINCE FUDZIE & ANDRE HAYES
"QUOTES"
2025
Dick Schapp ESPN
“You and Vince have put together a much-needed masterpiece. The main reason I invited you to my apartment was that Richard Lapchick spoke so highly of you, gentlemen. Let me say that meeting you in person exceeded my expectations! Keep up the good work!”
2025
William Gerberding University of Washington President Emeritus
“In my opinion, the book “Your Brain is a Muscle Too” is both useful and timely in it’s content. These two young men set out against the odds and with little help— to write a helpful manual for young black athletes entering universities. They have succeeded and I greatly admire them.”
2025
Bill Clinton Former President of the United States
“American Democracy and the living standards that our citizens enjoy can only be maintained and enhanced by the vigilance, awareness and activism that Andre Hayes and Vince Fudzie have demonstrated in their pursuit of justice for the African American student-athlete. I commend you for your efforts to facilitate change in the business of college sports.”
2025
Adam Silver NBA Commissioner
“Thanks for sharing your heartfelt story about your relationship with your Mother during her battle with cancer. I greatly appreciate and respect your determination to learn from your tragic loss. Thank you for recognizing our similar experiences and for reaching out to me. Best of Luck.”
2025
Dr. Richard Lapchick Founder of The Center for the Study of Sport in Society Northeastern University
“Andre Hayes and Vince Fudzi are former football players at the University of Washington. Their experiences as African American athletes convinced them of the need to develop programs and curriculums for universities to help African American student-athletes adjust and thrive in their new environment. To that end, I have agreed to write the foreword for their book. I fully support their groundbreaking and generational work.”
2025
Dale Brown LSU Basketball Coach (Emeritus)
“Thank you for the excellent book you sent me and your kind note, which was deeply appreciated. This book should be in everyone’s hands in athletics; it’s superb, and I hope you can get it distributed all over this country. Again, thanks for thinking of me, and if I can help you in any way– please let me know”.
2025
Tom McMillan Former NBA all-star Former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
“I commend you on your initiative and creativity in addressing issues surrounding African American student-athletes. I believe that everyone would benefit greatly from your book and curriculum, and I would hope that you join forces with Arthur Ashe’s organization Athletes Career Connection.”
Reconnecting Hearts
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