At just 20 years old, Hurricane High School graduate Andrew Marinacci has already built an impressive list of achievements. The middle child of three, Andrew is close with his sisters—Alyssa, 25, and Addley, 18—and together they’ve grown up in Hurricane surrounded by family support and encouragement. Now a junior at Marshall University, Andrew balances a demanding schedule as a full-time student, a member of Marshall ROTC, a National Guard reservist, and an instructor in jujitsu—a passion that has shaped his character and future goals.

“I like to stay busy and keep pushing myself,” Andrew shared with Stroll Hurricane. “But I’ve also learned how important it is to prioritize responsibilities first and still make time to relax and recharge.”

Andrew’s path into martial arts began during the COVID era, when he decided to revisit something he had tried briefly as a child. “One day I just felt like I needed to get back into it,” he said. “I asked my dad to help me find a place, and five years later, it’s one of my favorite parts of life.”

Training at Elite Martial Arts has not only given Andrew a black belt—it has also given him a second family. “I think above all, I enjoy learning and improving myself alongside people I consider family,” Andrew said. “It’s taught me humility, confidence, and the value of teaching skills to others, which I know will be important in my future career.”

Earning his black belt was no small feat. The test required hours of grueling physical activity, culminating in a sparring challenge against five opponents at once—each equal or higher in rank. “It was exhausting, but I passed,” Andrew recalled. “That experience showed me how much dedication and persistence pay off.”

Andrew’s dedication extends beyond martial arts. After college, he plans to serve in law enforcement while fulfilling his commitment to the National Guard reserves. Inspired by his father’s work ethic, he is determined to carve his own path of service and discipline. “My dad has always been an example to me,” Andrew said. “Even though I’m taking a different career path, I think about his dedication whenever I need to wake up at five in the morning for training or studying. That motivates me to keep going.”

Family remains a strong foundation in Andrew’s life. Together with his sisters, he’s shared a lifetime of memories growing up in Hurricane, where he continues to give back through his service, studies, and teaching.

Whether it’s through martial arts, academics, military service, or future work in law enforcement, Andrew Marinacci is proving that with passion, discipline, and humility, you can balance it all—and inspire others along the way.