About Mary K. Andrews

As a lifelong resident of Michigan, who has learned the hard way to keep Nishikigoi thriving in Mother Natures’ four seasons, my journey began in 2000 with a 100-gallon water feature.  Contained in this small amount of water were three shubunkins.  Once, I realized the serenity of watching them swim effortlessly through the water, I was convinced that more water would allow more fish, and it was then I discovered Koi.   

Connecting with a koi club seemed a logical move in the beginning, which evolved to leadership responsibility, secretary to club president, and an expanding connection with Koi Kichi.  The knowledge gained through my membership and those new relationships fed my desire to become better at koi keeping and water keeping.  Discovering koi shows – I was really hooked on this hobby.  I became involved in setting up, benching, and the computer team at every show I attended, learning more and more each time, all the while dreaming of one day traveling to Japan to visit the Big Show- All Japan Koi Show.

I am blessed to have the love of my life Terry share my passion for this hobby. Together we care for 15 finned friends, which have won awards from Grand Champion B, to baby champion, best in size and best in variety.  One special koi, ‘Miss October’, was an entrant into the 50th All Japan Show in 2019.  I won the bid for her, at my first ever breeder auction, and my heart beats fast every time I think back to that beautiful fall day in the mountains of Nigata.

Currently I am an active member of MNZNA, Potomac ZNA and North Carolina ZNA Koi Clubs and have served as Chairperson for the Tristate ZNA Potomac Young Show 2023 and Co-Chair for ZNA Potomac Show 2023. My travels for koi have taken me to many shows here in the U.S., Japan four times; twice for koi harvest and twice for the All Japan Show. Recently I have enjoyed the Holland and Belgium koi shows and gained a different perspective of the koi hobby, visiting the homes of the Grand Champion koi and observing other techniques of koi husbandry.  Koi keeping is a real conversation starter and I enjoy sharing knowledge of the hobby, while I also increase my appreciation of koi, learning something new every day, and creating friendships which are cherished, across the miles.