Q&A:
Name: Jessiy Bader
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1999
Events: 1 meter and 3 meter Diving
Degree: Chemistry
Profession: Pilot
Current residence: Frisco, Colorado
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My most favorite memory was conference championships. During the diving finals usually it’s just the divers and our parents watching. The swimmers are usually taking that opportunity to rest, cool down, eat. But not UNCW. The entire swim team shows up in the stands. And after I do my first dive they erupt in applause, that I can hear underwater! I surface and they all have pieces of paper with a score of 10 on it. I was smiling ear to ear. I have never been a part of something so big. I felt like a movie star. I was so honored and I am convinced it help me dive better.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a part of this team has shown me that working hard, giving everything that you have for something bigger than yourself is so incredibly rewarding. And those days that you don’t want to get out of bed at 5 am, or you have to stay up late to finish your paper for English because you are traveling, when you want to throw up you have done too many sit ups, that there is always someone there to give you that extra push and believe in you , even when you might not believe in yourself.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have had the wonderful opportunity to do something I love for work. Flying airplanes for United is the best. I’ve gotten to see the world, meet incredible people, but best of all flying really big airplanes. Amazing. Since COVID has thrown everyone for a loop, my husband and I have taken a year off and are sailing down the east coast. It was amazing to sail under the Wrightsville Beach bridge in our own boat.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Well that is easy. Beach, beach and more beach. Middle of the island for hush puppies. PT’s for burgers. I could go on and on if I start to go down the food thing.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
I love when we have home meets and during the national anthem we sing the home of the Seahawks. It gets me so jazzed. There are plenty of naughty ones about ECU, but those are definitely not G rated.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Soak up every minute. Life after school works itself out, no need to worry about it. Work hard, support your team, they will be friends for life.