CHENEY, Wash. – For
Andrew Cook, the journey to Division I basketball wasn't a straight line, but it's one that's been defined by hard work, loyalty, and a willingness to embrace change. After three standout years at Carroll College, an NAIA program, Cook made the bold decision to transfer to Eastern Washington University—a move that, in his words, "felt like the right move for my career."
"I felt really nervous for it, obviously, but with my coaches from my previous college coming with me, it just made the whole transition much more comfortable," Cook said. "I didn't really feel like it was anything too insane. I was ready for something new, and I was really happy that I made the jump."
The decision to choose Eastern wasn't just about a fresh start; it was about the people. "How it actually works with NAIA schools, you don't have to hop in the portal," he explained. "I had made the choice to not leave Carroll, and then the next week, Coach Lundgren and Coach Hobbs left and talked with me about making the move. It just felt like the perfect situation—I couldn't pass up this opportunity."
Following Coach Lundgren was far from an easy choice. "My first three years at Carroll were some of the best of my life. I had host families, friends, and was very integrated into the community," Cook said. "Having to leave all that was really hard, but I felt like it was time for a fresh challenge. Knowing Coach Lundgren would be there by my side through the highs and lows made the decision easier."
A year later, after completing his first season at Eastern, Cook had another decision: enter the transfer portal or stay for his final year. Loyalty won out. "I felt like I had more to prove here," he said. "There were lots of things last year that I felt got left on the table. Coming back to lead this team back to the top of the Big Sky was a big deal for me. I pride myself on loyalty, and Monson and Lundgren really wanted me here, so it felt only fair to ride it out with them."
Cook's excitement for this season is palpable. He's ready to step into a leadership role and show the Big Sky Conference who he really is. "I feel like I got overlooked last year quite a bit, so I'm ready to hop into that role and show everybody what this team is," he said.
With a team reshaped by offseason moves and a strong transfer class, Cook feels confident in the Eagles' prospects. "The coaches did a really good job finding guys to fill specific roles," he said. "Knowing your role and how you can best help the team win is super important. We got to know the new guys during recruiting, and we felt really comfortable with each of them. I think we're going to be really good this year."
Beyond basketball, Cook values what a scholarship has allowed him to achieve. "It represents all the hard work I've put in," he said. "It allows me to leave college without debt and gives me a sense of financial security. Knowing the university has my back is a very good feeling."
His advice for aspiring Division I players, especially those coming from smaller programs, is simple but powerful: "Run your own race. Don't compare yourself to the highest-ranked kids. I wasn't born with the most talent, but that pushed me to work harder and focus. Focus on yourself, and you'll be surprised where you finish."
Even if the dream of Division I doesn't materialize, Cook reminds young players to appreciate the journey. "At Carroll, I had some of the most fun of my life. I was okay with never playing Division I because I worked hard, had an amazing friend group, and had a great time. You can have a good life and play at any level."
For
Andrew Cook, the path from NAIA to Division I is more than a career move—it's a lesson in perseverance, loyalty, and forging your own way. And this season, he's ready to show the Big Sky exactly who he is.
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ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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