Seahawk Spotlight: Kenneth Lowe
Name: Kenneth Lowe
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2024
Events: 100 Free, 200 Free & 200 IM
Degree: Bachelors in Business Concentrating in Finance and Masters in Accountancy
Profession: Service Manager at Integrity Heating and Cooling
Current residence: Charlotte, North Carolina
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
2024 UNCW USC Dual Meet Win. Beating an SEC team and an ACC team was one our goals we set with Bobby my freshman year.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
UNCW Swim and Dive provided me with a unique college experience. I received a great education and competed for a D1 program in paradise. UNCW swim and Dive led me to my closest friends and connections that helped me find a path after school.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since being on the pool deck I finished my Masters degree and started work full time.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Riches inlet the best place to find a flounder.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Great day to be a Seahawk.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy every moment while you have it. You won’t be able to hang out with your teammates every day or live 7 minutes from the intercoastal water way ever again.
Seahawk Spotlight: Katie & Will Humphries
Q&A:
Name: Katie Humphries
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2003
Events: 100 and 200 breaststroke
Degree: BA Recreational Therapy
Profession: Real Estate Agent with Fonville Morisey Realty
Current residence: Raleigh, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
There are so many wonderful memories made during my four years as a UNCW swimmer that it is hard to narrow down to one specific time. However, if I had to pick one, I would say when the seniors walked down the pool deck to the coaches on the last day of finals at conference. The feeling of pride I had for accomplishing what at times felt like a task too daunting to complete, four years of swimming in college, was overwhelming and bittersweet. I was so grateful to have been a part of a program that gave me so much and sad to know that it was the end of my swimming career.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a member of the UNCW swim team has intensely influenced my life. First off, I met my husband through the program. That alone is probably the most monumental influence to date. Also, being a student athlete taught me mental, physical, and emotional strength that helped to shape me to become the person I am today.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Will and I got married in 2007 and now live in Raleigh with our three children who love to keep us very busy. I taught elementary school for 11 years, but left teaching in 2017 to become a real estate agent. Throughout the years, Will and I realized that we loved coming back to Wilmington so much that we wanted to own a piece of it ourselves. In 2022, we bought and renovated a property near campus which we now rent out to short and mid-term tenants (Daydream_Wilmington on various platforms). In addition to being a realtor and managing our rental home, I also own BnB on Market which provides support to property owners wanting to maximize their rental income.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I loved (and continue to love) Wrightsville Beach as well as PT’s Grille, downtown, and the many houses that hosted our amazingly fun team parties.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
My favorite cheer would be the “Ole!” cheer. We would huddle a big group, keep repeating “Ole!” chanting louder and louder as we jumped up and down. Seems like an oddly simple cheer which it was, but for some reason it was so much fun to do.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Being a student athlete is hard. I am not quite sure I was prepared as a freshman for how hard it would be. However, it will grow a strength and endurance inside you that will help you the rest of your life. Be proud of how hard the task is and let that be the motivation you need each day in the pool.
Name: Will Humphries
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2002
Events: 1M & 3M Springboard
Degree: BS Computer Science
Profession: Director of Engineering, Endpoint Clinical
Current residence: Raleigh, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory from UNCW would have to be Coach Ellington. He was a coach that genuinely cared about his divers, even those of us that I am sure frustrated him beyond belief at times. I will never forget all that he did for me during my 4 years at UNCW. He was the first in the pool when I hit my head on the board in Chapel Hill and stayed at the hospital until I was discharged. He helped me with the lyrics to little red corvette on my 21st birthday and he talked down a physics professor that threatened to fail me if I missed his exam for an away meet (and somehow managed to get him to come a meet and cheer us on). Even after graduation Marc kept in touch. He called when he saw my name on record boards in different pools or to let me know when mine came down at home or just to check in to see how I was doing. I was lucky to experience a coach like Marc and will forever be grateful for the time we shared at UNCW.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
My time in the program has influenced my life in more ways than I would have imagined while I was there. I met my wife in the program, and we hare 3 wonderful kids that share our love and passion for Wilmington, the beach, and all things Seahawk. It instilled traits like grit, determination, drive, and teamwork that have enabled me to be successful after college.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since leaving UNCW, I started a career in software engineering and coached high school and age group diving in my spare time. About 15 years ago I moved over to software development in the clinical space and am currently the Director of Engineering for an eClinical software company. I married Katie McNulty, and we have three amazing kids aged 7, 10, and 13 that are all active in multiple sports. If Katie and I aren’t working, you will typically find us cheering for the kids at tennis, soccer, volleyball, or swimming.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Mercer’s Pier, Masonboro, the beach access at Mallard, taking the Jeeps to Carolina Beach, PT’s, Priddy Boys, the Reel Cafe, Inland Greens for beer golf, and who didn’t love the SandBar
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Ethan Bridges leading Game Time
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy every minute of your time at UNCW. You will cherish these memories forever and will have built relationships that will last you a lifetime. The hard work you put into the pool will pay dividends for years to come.
Seahawk Spotlight: Ethan Bridges
Name: Ethan Bridges
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2002
Events: 100 Fly, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM
Degree: Rec Therapy, B.S., Occupational Therapy M.S.
Profession: Rehab Specialty Lead (OT)
Current residence: Atlanta, GA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
So many great memories, from the suites freshman year to hosting parties at the Cardinal house Junior and Senior years. Of course my favorite memory is winning our first ever CAA title my senior year. As a Team Captain my Jr and Sr seasons, a lot of time and effort went into recruiting and finding guys that would make our team better. Once we got the right mix of guys, we made it our mission to win the whole thing and start a new trend of winning.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I have always loved the discipline that swimming builds into your personal character. I am still an early morning riser and love to get a workout done first thing. I love to challenge myself as a husband and father in everyday situations and I feel like the culture of UNCW swim helped mold that drive.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After UNCW, I went to grad school in Northern VA to continue my schooling. My roommate at UNCW, Chris Davis, is from Atlanta and my goal was to always get back to the Atlanta area. Shortly after moving to Atlanta in 2006, I met my wife and the rest is history.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW? P.T.s Grille was the spot for food. And of course, the beach itself. I loved meeting up with other guys from the team to hang out on Sundays.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“It’s a great day to be a Seahawk” was always the mantra. In regards to cheering, we used the cowbell before each meet. Shortly before my senior season, I pitched the idea of using a cheer from Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. “What time is it? Game Time” apparently this has grown and morphed into other cheers over the years but it all started there.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For current swimmers, work as hard as you can now because you won’t get another shot at it later. Get the extra sleep, eat the clean meal and fuel your fire towards your goals. These years go by quickly. For recent graduates, allow the routine and discipline of your swimming days to advance your life in a positive way. The hard work ethic you built through difficult workouts can actually make things easier for you down the road if the same principles are applied.
Seahawk Spotlight: Kelsee Gomes
Name: Kelsee Gomes
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2006
Events: 100 and 200 Breaststroke
Degree: BA in Health Education with a minor in Chemistry (UNCW), MS in Sports and Clinical Nutrition (Florida State University)
Profession: Registered Dietitian (Sports Nutrition – New York Yankees) , CSSD (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics)
Current residence: Tampa, FL
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Watching Billy Rinehart swim straight in Lane 1 during morning practice because he stayed out until 3 AM and practice started at 5 AM – JUST KIDDING LOL
My favorite memory was when we won conference our senior year.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I love sports. I always have. i think that’s why I still work in sports. I love the competition. I love the discipline. I love the training and meticulousness of what it takes to succeed on and off the field. I love the drive. I still feel like I apply all of those things to my every day life. Being a dietitian, helps me take my two loves, food and sports, and combine them in to something I love doing every day.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have been a Sports Dietitian for 15 years now. I was the Director of Sports Nutrition at UNC- Chapel Hill for 7 years, the Director of Football Sports Nutrition for 2 years and University of Florida and have now been with the New York Yankees for 1 year. I have been married for almost 10 years and we have 3 little girls (Charlotte, Amelia and Samantha Jane) who all have birthdays in December.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn, Port City Java, 22 North
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
It’s A Great Day to be a SEAHAWK!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy the time with your teammates and coaches. 4 years goes by so fast. Take every opportunity to get better and use your resources. Whether it’s on the academic side or your performance staff (mental conditioning, athletic training, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning. I really wish I would have known some of the things I know now and how that could have translated in the pool. Go Sea Hawks!
Seahawk Spotlight: Danielle Nista (Mortensen)
Name: Danielle Nista (Mortensen)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2009
Events: 500, 1000, and 1650
Degree: Elementary Education
Profession: Currently a stay at home mom, but taught elementary school for 10 years after graduating
Current residence: Wilmington, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
-My favorite memory is from my freshman year when both the Men and Womens team won the CAA championships. I was just a freshman and everything was so new but it was an amazing end to a great first year.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
-Being a part of this program impacted my life in many ways. My whole family now calls Wilmington home. The dedication and commitment needed to compete at a collegiate level has also set me up for success in my career and now raising a family. I also made lifelong friends from being a part of this team. It was an amazing experience all around.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
-I taught 2nd and 4th grade here in Wilmington for 10 years after college. I met my husband who also attended UNCW here and now we continue to call Wilmington home while raising our 3 little boys.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
-Park Ave of course, Flaming Amys, PTs, the Beach 🙂
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
-Its a Great Day to Be a Seahawk
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
-Lean on your teammates. No matter how hard it can be, know that they are right there with you! Even though swimming is an individual sport I never would’ve had as much success as I did without my teammates. They are there through every hard practice and every lap swum, and we Distance swimmers swim a lot of them. 🙂
Seahawk Spotlight: Seth Liston
Name: Seth Liston
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of: 2007-2009 swim team
Events: 50 / 100 / 200 Free / Relays
Degree: Political Science / Accounting (Undergrad 2011, Masters 2013)
Profession: CPA; Senior Director of Finance at The V Foundation for Cancer Research
Current residence: Raleigh, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
– Too many to choose from, but, top of mind – the move-in-day experience. Having travelled 2hrs down I-40 from my hometown to the exotic land of Wilmington, being greeted so warmly and enthusiastically by my new teammates, and getting unloaded and settled into Suite P. I remember the feeling of excitement and having no clue what was in store for me!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?– The program blessed me with a strong sense of time management and an appreciation for the importance of having a clear understanding of each member’s role within a team. These blessings have helped me immensely as I’ve navigated my career and started a family.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
– I left UNCW and moved back home to Raleigh, worked in public accounting, for a major medical institution, the RDU airport, and now and proud to call The V Foundation home. My wife and I celebrated our 7th anniversary in June, Grey Liston’s 3rd birthday in July, and are looking forward to our youngest, Sam, turning 1 in September! Trying to stay in the water and stay in shape! I cannot ever again allow Billy Rineheart to embarass me at the Stoked-to-go-Out wrightsville beach pier-to-pier swim, like he did this past May…
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
– Let’s say that priorities have changed. My younger self would be excited to get down to the beach and cut the line to get into Red Dogs. Nowadays, I love hitting Palm Room when I am at the beach, for some killer live music.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
– I think, in the spirit of this question, it has got to be the iconic Conch Shell, and sounding it off before meets. So unique and special, and the look on opponents faces as stuck ice-cold terror into their veins….
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
– Enjoy the ride! Trust the process!
Seahawk Spotlight: Jodie Pender
Name: Jodie (Yantachka) Pender
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2005
Events: 50/100 Free, 100 Back
Degree: Elementary Education and Spanish
Profession: Assistant Principal
Current residence: Southport, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory of being part of the UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program was walking out of the locker room on meet days. The cheering and excitement was always exhilarating to me. The second you walked onto the pool deck and the cheering got louder because everyone knew they were about to swim a fast race to help support a Seahawk win was always a feeling that could never be matched. Meet days were what brought all the hard work together. Knowing that a great race and personal best would come from the countless hours that were put in the pool, weight room, and miles on hot afternoons…along with the occasional Saturday ocean swims (if the weather cooperated) was personally rewarding especially when it helped a Seahawk win. The celebration by the team, Coach Allen, and Dan Forrester after a great race and winning a meet was always the best. My UNCW Swimming years will always hold a special place in my heart.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Swimming in any capacity was always what made me happy and has always been a big part of my life. I grew up with the mindset; always do what you love. When I became part of the UNCW Swimming & Diving program I was doing what I loved. I thought that was the purpose of being a part of the UNCW Swimming and Diving program, but it was so much more than this mindset. The UNCW Swimming and Diving program helped me obtain skills that I have used from college and continue to use today. Building friendships, gaining strong leadership skills, creating a passion to succeed even when things are difficult, and instilling a passion to support my future were just a few of the qualities I gained. I truly believe that I gained these skills by being a part of a strong, dedicated, and determined team. These skills that I have taken away from UNCW Swimming & Diving program have helped me daily to support our future generation as an educator.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since the UNCW pool deck days I have been in the Education field. I was a K-3 teacher for 11 years, Instructional Coach for 5 years, and I am now an Assistant Principal. I have been an Assistant Principal for the past 3 years. My husband, Cliff, is a general contractor and owns Solstice Builders. I taught my step kids, Hunter and Dow, when they were in First Grade. Hunter is now a Junior at Appalachian State studying K-12 Spanish Education. Dow is a Freshman at UNC Chapel Hill studying Nursing. We are a very active family who spends a lot of time somewhere around the water and we love to travel!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Wrightsville Beach, Jerry Allens, Level 5
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“It’s a great day to be a SEAHAWK!”
“DUB LOVE”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Sometimes “life” gets busy and you forget to do the things that you love to do for yourself. Make time for those things that you love to do for yourself even if it is for 15 minutes. Do what you love, love what you do, and always know….you will be a Seahawk for life! Go SEAHAWKS!
Seahawk Spotlight: Glenn Allen
Q&A:
Name: Glenn Allen
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1993
Events:
Men and Women’s Swimming and Diving Team Manager
Degree:
BA in Physical Education and Psychology and a Concentration in Health (UNCW 1993)
Master’s in Religious Education (Jacksonville Theological Seminary 1996)
Occupation:
North Carolina Army National Guard (Medic 1981-1987)
Retail Sales, Currently Retired on Medical Disability
Current residence: Wilmington NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
There were so many great memories with the UNCW Swimming and Diving program. I remember when the UNCW Women’s team beat ECU and Women’s Team sang Respect. I remember when the Men’s team came close to their first Conference championships and going to Easterns in Cleveland, Ohio and Christmas training in Atlanta Georgia.
The best part was just being around Coach Dave Allen and Coach Ellington and Al and Frank and all my great Teammates. The Meets and everything were great but spending time with both teams outside of the pool was very important.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Coach Dave Allen would celebrate every achievement. It could be a Personal Record or a team record or Pool Record or someone becoming a Conference or Eastern’s Championship Coach Allen also was an encourager. I loved how he treated everyone as an individual. That was being a great role model.
That carries on today with the Alumni that has graduated from UNCW, and it continues through Coach Bobby leading the current Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I am Currently a Deacon at my Church; I worked in Retail sales until I retired on Medical Disability.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
David Allen Natatorium, UNCW Student Union, and Swim Team Parties
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“It’s a great day to be a Seahawk!”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
To the current Swimmers and Divers enjoy your experiences. Enjoy spending time with your teammates. It is important to train hard and to be disciplined in your studies and training. It is also important to spend time with your family as well. You also have a chance to learn from your Coaches,
To the Seniors I would say soak in everything you can from your Senior year. You will be graduating soon and will either be entering the work force or continuing higher education.
You will be a very important part of the UNCW Swimming and Diving Alumni. it is important to maintain contact with your teammates as well as to be involved with the Alumni. You will be joining the legacy of the history of UNCW Swimming and Diving. Being a part of the family of UNCW Swimming and Diving. Coach Dave Allen started a great program but more importantly a Swimming and Diving Family.
Seahawk Spotlight: Dean Berman
Q&A:
Name: Dean Berman
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2006
Events: 1m and 3m Springboard Diving
Degree: Computer Science
Profession: Senior Software Engineer, NAVY Contractor
Current residence: Waxhaw, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Being part of the UNCW Dynasty and sweeping the CAA Championships as well as setting pool and conference records. Getting to compete in the NCAAs was also a lifelong dream achieved. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 was such an honor. UNCW Swimming and Diving program was my home-away-from-home, and the late Marc Ellington, Head Diving Coach, was a father figure to me. The late Head Swimming Coach Dave Allen was an amazing mentor and friend to everyone and I will never forget either of them for as long as I live.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being able to attend an amazing college, earning a degree in Computer Science, and having the knowledge and readiness to join the working force and providing for my family. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this without the experience and help of the UNCW Swimming and Diving team and coaches and experiences. What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck? After graduation I moved back to Charlotte temporarily until I got a new job in Charleston. I relocated in 2007. I spent a year as an Assistant Diving Coach at College of Charleston. I got married in 2008, had a daughter in 2012 and a son in 2015. We moved back to Charlotte after our daughter was born and have been here since 2013. I work as a government contractor for a global contracting company and recently achieved 16years with the company. I have multiple side hustles doing residental handyman and eletrical work, along with being a systems administrator for multiple online portals. I have 2 amazing kids, ages 11 and 8, and a wonderful and supportive wife of over 15years.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
David Allen Natatorium Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer? “It’s a great day to be a Seahawk!”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy your college years and being young. Time passes so quickly.
Seahawk Spotlight: Clifton Perkins
Name: Clifton Perkins
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1994, Co-Captain ‘93 and ‘94
Events: 200/400 IM, 200 Breast, 200 Fly
Degree: BS Marketing/Business
Profession: Sales Consultant Brame Specialty Co
Current residence: Wilmington, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program and how did you choose UNCW?
I had my sights set on being a Seahawk from a young age. I competed in one of the first Seahawk Invitationals around ‘81 as a 10 yr old earning a first place spot in the 100 IM and maybe even getting the attention of Coach Allen. From there the path was being paved from members of the 1980’s NC Powerhouse, the Tarheel Aqua Racers (TAR). I followed the likes of Mike Bitzenhofer, Greg Magdanz, Art Hall, Scot Carboni and Glenn Peterson into becoming a Seahawk Swimmer. It was a natural fit for me. I made my mark immediately breaking several freshman and varsity records. Each year Coach attracted some incredible talent and we challenged each other in and out of the pool, we all knew we were building something special. The memories of all the hard work paying off and the lifelong friendships that were created is what I cherish the most. I am incredibly proud to see the rise to greatness that has been achieved over the years and to have been a part of that process.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
One of the life lessons I learned from being a Seahawk swimmer, is to manage the little things, do them well and the big things seem to fall into place. I also remember Coach Allen reminding us often to leave a place cleaner and better than you found it. Something I try to instil in my own boys.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I spent my first several years gaining work experience and traveling to as many surf destinations as possible. I love the Caribbean and Central America the most. My wife, Jess and I met surfing and now have 2 crazy boys, Van (9) Lou (5) that are seemingly paying me back (karma) for all my shenanigans prior to settling down. I enjoy sales and I am in my 22nd year with Brame. My work allows me to work closely with my Alma Mater and I see firsthand the growth on campus. It’s come a long way from the days I was here!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I spent most of my free time away from the pool at the beach, surfing, Lifeguarding at WB and enjoying the coastal life. Masonboro holds a special place in my heart.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Here’s to ECU…
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy the ride! These will be some of the most cherished moments as you move into the next stage of life. The values and the knowledge of knowing what it takes to be successful in the pool will translates into your professional career. Check in with your old teammates often!