Q&A:
Name: Scott Royal
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2011
Events: 500 fr, 1650 fr, 200 bk, 800 fr relay
Degree: BS in Biology
Profession: Pediatrician
Current residence: Washington DC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory of UNCW Swimming and Diving was eating dinner as a team after practice at Wag or the Hawk’s Nest.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Setting benchmark goals was something Coach Allen discussed with me at the beginning of each season. Throughout grad school and now as a physician, I am constantly evaluating my current progress and setting short and long term goals to improve. Swimming has also made waking up at 5:30am much easier!
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I spent 4 years after graduating with Dr. Baric at UNC-CH studying coronavirus, norovirus, and dengue fever. I attended medical school at UNC-CH from 2015 to 2019, and am nearly finished with my pediatrics residency at Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Wrightsville Beach (obviously), the Fuzzy Peach, Fisher Student Center, and Front Street Brewery
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Walking into every meet chanting “Sea-Sea-Sea-Seahawks!!!!”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
It is okay if you don’t have your life planned out by the time you graduate. There are so many opportunities after undergrad, and the skills of teamwork, dedication, and goal setting you developed through swimming/diving will take you far in life, no matter the direction.