Sacramento State teams up with another legend: Hall of Fame boxer, Andre Ward | Opinion
After already landing NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal and Sacramento Kings legend Mike Bibby, Sacramento State is adding Andre Ward, Olympic Gold medalist and undefeated world champion boxer, to its athletic department.
Ward, 41, was introduced at a Sacramento gym on Saturday as the General Manager of Sacramento State’s Combat U boxing program. The brainchild of Sac State President Luke Wood, Combat U is an entry point to a potential college degree for students passionate about combat sports. An enthusiast himself, Wood understands that there needs to be more ways for underrepresented students to find their way to college degrees.
By adding Ward to Combat U, a public-private partnership between Sac State and mixed martial artist Urijah Faber, Wood has placed before Combat U students an exemplary role model who came from humble roots and used boxing to transform his life.
If you went to a boxing gym and asked young aspiring boxers what they want out of their time in the sport, they would describe Ward’s career.
“Bringing (Ward) to our boxing program is a reminder of what’s possible when we think boldly about student opportunities,” Sac State University President Luke Wood said in a statement. “He will make a lasting mark by showing our students the value of hard work and character in everything they do.”
Ward is a product of Northern California who began boxing as a youth. At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Ward won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division. As a pro, he became a world champion in two weight classes, retired undefeated at 33 with a 32-0 record, and was rated by ESPN as one of the 10 best male fighters of the 21st Century.
The student-athletes of Sac State’s boxing team now have the chance to learn from Ward. His position is not full-time and he will on a contractor basis.
“Andre Ward has set the standard in boxing, and now our athletes get the truly remarkable opportunity to learn from him directly,” Sacramento State Boxing Head Coach Brandon Gonzales said about Ward. “Dre’s new position as our Boxing General Manager shows these young fighters that Sacramento State is serious about their future.”
Ward can be an example to student-athletes. Few fighters can match his athletic skill. Ward’s currency with students could be in the teaching of preparation, dedication, seriousness, discipline and making the right choices in life. This move shows that Ward is ready to move into the mentorship and coaching aspect of boxing. He’s a true lover and student of the game and could make for a great teacher and leader for the next generation.
This is great news for Combat U, a program that is on the rise. Just last year, the boxing team won the inaugural Causeway Boxing Classic against UC Davis.
For President Wood, Ward’s presence will only add to the student experience at Sac State. O’Neal is the General Manager of Sac men’s basketball team and Bibby is the incoming coach. Sac State is also trying to move its football team up to the highest division of college football.
Ward adds more hype to Sac State, but ultimately, this is about the students who choose to attend Sac State. He now has a job to do and that’s to show up for the team and help them carve out the best path for success in their life.
Exciting times have arrived for Combat U, but let’s hope that it equals success for students.
This story was originally published September 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM.
