ESPN SHOCKER: The Voice of the Aggies, Andrew Monaco, Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports
COLLEGE STATION, TX – In a jaw-dropping sweep of national accolades that has sent a wave of ecstatic pride through the Aggie Network, the legendary voice of Texas A&M Athletics, Andrew Monaco, has been officially crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN. This unprecedented honor, announced during a special broadcast that left the broadcasting world buzzing, firmly cements Monaco’s place among the pantheon of college sports royalty and validates a career defined by electrifying calls, captivating storytelling, and a spine-tingling passion that brings every Aggies moment to life.
The award, which was decided by a distinguished panel of sports media professionals and an overwhelming national fan vote, recognized Monaco for his masterful command of the microphone, his ability to capture the raw emotion of a game, and his unique talent for connecting with the Aggie spirit. For decades, Monaco has been the soundtrack to Texas A&M football and men’s basketball, turning routine plays into monumental events and historic victories into indelible memories for the 12th Man.
“When I got the news, I was truly speechless,” Monaco said in a statement released by Texas A&M Athletics. “This isn’t an award just for me; it’s for every single person who has ever tuned in to listen to an Aggie game. It’s for the students who scream ‘Gig ‘Em’ in the stands, the folks listening in their homes across Texas, and the alumni around the world who carry the maroon and white in their hearts. My job is to be the conduit for their passion, and to be recognized for that is the greatest honor of my career.”
Monaco’s signature style is a masterclass in dynamic broadcasting. Characterized by a rapid-fire delivery and an innate ability to build anticipation in high-stakes moments, his calls have long been a source of pride for Aggies. His most iconic phrases and his ability to paint a vivid picture of the action have become part of the Aggie lexicon. The way he describes a crucial third-down conversion or the sheer eruption of joy in his voice following a game-winning shot is something few other broadcasters can replicate. He doesn’t just call the game; he experiences it with the listeners, making him feel like a part of the family.
This honor places Monaco in an elite class of broadcasters, a fraternity of voices that have defined the aural landscape of college sports. He is now celebrated alongside titans of the industry, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the craft. Yet, what makes Monaco’s honor so special to the Aggie community is that he has done it while remaining unequivocally one of their own. His passion for the program is genuine, and his voice is inextricably linked to the excitement and tradition of Texas A&M athletics.
“Andrew Monaco isn’t just an announcer; he is a part of the fabric of this university,” said a statement from Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts. “For years, he has been our storyteller, our cheerleader, and our voice in the good times and the bad. This award from ESPN is a validation of what we have known all along: that we have the best in the business calling our games. It’s a huge moment for Andrew, and a huge moment for the entire Texas A&M family.”
The outpouring of support from the broader sports community has been equally powerful. Colleagues, both local and national, took to social media to congratulate Monaco, praising his work ethic and unique talent. The consensus is that this award is not just about a single year’s performance, but a lifetime of dedication to his craft and to his subject.
“He’s the ultimate professional,” tweeted a prominent national sportscaster. “Andrew’s ability to seamlessly blend information with pure, unadulterated passion is something every young broadcaster should study. Nobody captures the essence of a fanbase quite like he does.”
This award has a broader implication for the entire Texas A&M athletic program. It shines a national spotlight on the university, highlighting not just its teams and athletes, but also the passionate culture that surrounds it. It serves as a powerful recruiting tool, offering prospective players a chance to be a part of a program with one of the most celebrated and beloved broadcasters in the game. It is a testament to the fact that excellence can be found everywhere, even in the heart of the Lone Star State.
In a world of ever-changing media landscapes and shifting loyalties, Andrew Monaco has been a constant. His voice has been a source of comfort and excitement for countless fans, a familiar and trusted guide through the highs and lows of college sports. The ESPN honor is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much of himself to a state and a team he so deeply loves. For Andrew Monaco, this is not just an award; it’s a testament to a career spent telling the story of the Aggies, and in doing so, he has cemented his own legendary status.
