This story was originally published spring/summer 2025 issue of Shidler Business.
From the pitcher’s mound to the boardroom, Andy Archer, MS ’22, is proving that leadership, impact and aloha can thrive wherever your cleats land. The former University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warrior baseball standout and current pitcher with the wildly popular Savannah Bananas, blends his passion for baseball, a sharp mind for finance and heart for community.
Archer arrived at UH Mānoa already balancing high expectations—both as a Division I athlete and an aspiring business leader. He recalls that it was the robust offerings of the college, particularly the Master of Science (MSF) program that drew him in.
“I was immediately drawn to Shidler because of the diverse range of master’s degree programs,” Archer said. “I recognized the opportunity to pursue an elite graduate degree while playing baseball for one of the most competitive collegiate programs in the country—it was an absolute no-brainer.”
As a student at Shidler, Archer immersed himself in team-based learning and real-world applications. An impactful lesson came from a real estate valuation course that inspired him to apply classroom concepts directly to a personal investment. Group projects also helped him sharpen leadership, communication and time-management skills—qualities that continue to serve him on and off the field.
Archer says that his most meaningful experiences happened outside of the classroom. Volunteering with Ka Lau O Ka Lāhui, Archer found himself knee-deep in a lo‘i kalo patch, learning firsthand the values of mālama, ‘āina and Hawaiian tradition. “Those profound experiences ignited new passions and respect for the ‘āina” he says. “They also resulted in valuable connections and networking.”
Archer says he gives back because many of his treasured memories come from team sports.
Archer put his education to use immediately after graduating. Before joining the Savannah Bananas, he worked for two years at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts as a financial planning and analysis analyst. During this time, he also began building his own business.
From finance to fundraising— and fun
These days, Archer plays for the Savannah Bananas—a team famous for blending baseball with entertainment— and combines his finance background and marketing mastery to expand his platform. “Boiled down—my job is to impact people,” he says. “And a huge opportunity to do that is on social media. My business education has had a massive impact on how I’ve approached this aspect of my job—analyzing my target audiences, retention, trends, all of it.”
One of Archer’s proudest off-field accomplishments is his jersey fundraiser, which donates proceeds to support UH student-athletes.
"Donating the proceeds from my jersey sales is a way for me to help give that same gift—of a Shidler education and UH experience—to more student-athletes. Hopefully it helps keep some of the amazing local talent right here in Hawai‘i. It's never too late to change course and I believe so many students who may not be on the college path deserve that chance." – Andy Archer
It’s a mindset shaped deeply by his time at UH. “UH is an extremely special place, particularly as a student-athlete, where you are exposed to the community in such a positive way,” Archer said. “UH sports fans are the greatest in the country!”
Now in his second full season with the Savannah Bananas, Archer has embraced mentorship—coaching youth baseball, building leadership through sport and using every opportunity to invest in the next generation.
“If at the end of my time with the Bananas, the fruit is that more kids are involved in team sports, then I’ve done my job,” he says. “So many of my most treasured memories and valuable lessons came from team sports. That’s what I want to give back.”
For current Shidler students and UH athletes, Archer offers simple but powerful advice: try new things. “Particularly at UH, there are so many priceless opportunities to get involved in the community,” he says. “You never know what passions might be sparked.”
Looking ahead to his future, Archer is keeping an open mind—and heart. He says that although he’s uncertain of what his next chapter will entail, the foundation he built at Shidler will ground him and the focus will be on youth.
“Whatever is next, my mission of impacting the next generation through sports remains,” he says. “Whether that’s coaching, broadcasting or even returning to Outrigger—I’m not quite sure.”
Whether he’s analyzing real estate investments or choreographing on-field antics with the Bananas, one thing is certain: Archer is leading with purpose, fueled by the values, experiences and community he found at Shidler.
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