Seahawk Spotlight: KJ Bentley
Name: KJ Bentley (formerly KJ Silver)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2000
Events: 50,100 free
Degree: BA Special Education (2004) MA Language and Literacy (2005)
Profession: Title 1 (Kindergarten-5th grade) Intervention Specialist
Current residence: Painter, VA out on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I loved being a part of the Swim/Dive family. There are SO many memories but if I had to pick one it would be winning CAAs my sophomore year. We were the first team to win the CAA title and it was an amazing feeling!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I used to jokingly say that swimming trained me how to operate on little sleep but in reality my experience as a Seahawk swimmer has taught me so much more than that. Now that I am coaching high school age kids I reflect on lessons I learned about training, sportsmanship, dedication and commitment from Coach Allen. I value team culture above anything else because my experience at UNCW was with such a positive and supportive team culture. I attribute that team culture to Coach Allen’s leadership and example. I’m proud to say that my high school swimmers are known for their sportsmanship across the teams we swim against. Over the past 2 years on my high school team we have taught four kids how to swim. This would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of their teammates. The team environment I experienced during my four years at UNCW directly impacted the expectations I have for my swimmers.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since swimming at UNCW I have gotten married and had 3 daughters, Grace (17) Sarah (15) Caroline (11). I currently teach reading and math interventions at an elementary school. I also coach the summer league team, High School Swim Team and the USA Team out on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I never thought I would be coaching, but here I am. My husband is a starter/ref so it makes swim meets a family affair.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Some of my favorites: taking the dogs to Shell Island Dog Beach, studying and swimming at Mallard St beach access, sitting on the ledge at Buddy’s and grabbing a burger from PT’s.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Coach Allen would shout “Hi-Ho Silver- AWAY” when I got up on the blocks. It was a reference to the Lone Ranger and what he would yell to his horse as they galloped away after the bad guys. It would always help shake off that last bit of nerves before I swam.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Cherish the memories you are making, even the hard ones. You will look back and see all the lessons you have been taught by the sport, your coaches and your teammates.
Seahawk Spotlight: Sam O’Leary
Name: Sam O’Leary
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1982
Events: 50 and 100 Free and 100 and 200 Fly
Degree: Therapeutic Recreation
Profession: MCCS Manager, Camp Lejeune NC. Retired
Current residence: Downtown Jacksonville NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program? Coach Dave Allen. Still stay in close contact with of the old guys (best friends) and gals from our swimming days.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life? My life would be totally deferent if I was not part of the swimming and diving teams. Dave and Ellen Allen are the best. Coach Allen is the ideal leader and mentor. Most of the old guys have moved back to Wilmington. Me, just up the street in Jacksonville. We wanted to stay close to our swim/dive programs.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck? Worked at Camp Lejeune for the last 32 years in a wide range Managements positions. I enjoyed working for the Active Duty Marines.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW? Wrightsville Beach
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer? “It’s a Great Day to be a Seahawk” Dave Allen!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni? You’re in Great Hands with Coach Bobby and his team. If you can see yourself doing “it.” you can.
Seahawk Spotlight: Doug Shanks
Name: Doug Shanks
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1997
Events: 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Fly
Degree: Business Management
Profession: Regional Sales Manager – Fastenal
Current residence: Huntersville, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory was winning the 50 free at CAA’s my junior year and having Coach Allen run over and give me a big bear hug.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
The UNCW Swimming & Diving program changed my life. First of all, I have met some amazing people in this program that are still very special to me today. I have so many memories filled with crazy stories and lots of laughs. While my wife was not a swimmer, I would not have met her if it was not for this program. The art of willing to sacrifice something in order to achieve something greater is what we all have done throughout our swimming careers. It is what bonds us together and makes our relationship so special. Coach Allen created a culture that produced winners – not just in the pool, but in the classroom & in life.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have been married for 20 years to my wife, Leigh. We have 3 amazing kids: Grant (18), Bennett (16), and Celia (13). I have been with Fastenal for 25 years, most recently as a Regional Sales Manager with our National Accounts team. I started back swimming for Masters back in 2015 a few times a week.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
It is hard to narrow this down, but here we go: PT’s, Swimmer parties at various swimmer houses, Red Dogs, Mad Monk, Sandbar, Stemmerman’s, The Shanakee, Level 5.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“Here’s to ECU….”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
As everyone moves away and starts their own family and careers, it becomes harder and harder to remain in contact with the friends that you have met in this program. Make it important to stay in contact. Remember that while you had great coaches and team mates that helped you throughout your swimming career, YOU were the secret sauce to your success. This will hold true in your life beyond swimming.
Seahawk Spotlight: Jamie (Hamill) Lally
Name: Jamie (Hamill) Lally
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of _2004___
Events: 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly
Degree: Physical Education
Profession: Teacher
Current residence: Columbia, SC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I am competitive at heart so I fit in well at UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program! The competitive atmosphere was fun and made the early mornings, countless laps, and hard work all worth it. Beating East Carolina University at their home pool was one of my favorite memories. I remember Coach Allen saying “ Start the bus and let’s get out of here” because the tension was so high. UNCW vs. ECU was the most competitive dual meet we had, a true rivalry, and it was a blast! Swimming is not a contact sport but that meet was the closest it came.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a part of UNCW’s Swimming and Diving program had such a big impact on my life. The friendships that were formed are priceless. The memories that were made are something I will hold close forever. The life lessons I learned in the pool from Coach Allen and Dan Forrester helped me in many ways as I entered adulthood. They were both excellent role models and encouraged me even when I learned the hard way (Like missing morning practice and having to do doubles that afternoon!).
There was a void in my life after swimming ended. Considering all the years, months, and hours put into such a wonderful sport, it was no surprise it took some time to find that passion again. I went on to coach High School Men and Women’s Swimming. Being on deck again in the presence of swimmers who shared the same passion I did was incredible. The adrenalin and competitiveness were back! These days I now have a different role! I have two young boys who have just started their swimming journey. Long or short, I’m grateful for each experience, and seeing it come full circle has been special.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have two boys named Brooks and Henry. They keep my husband Mike and I busy here in Columbia SC! I have taught elementary school for 13 years and will be working with high school students this coming school year. I have also worked in the mental health field as a Mental Health Coach to provide resources to people who are in need.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I loved walking The Loop at Wrightsville Beach, a night out at Level 5, The Reel Cafe, Slice of Life, and Dockside!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“And remember it’s ALWAYS a great day to be a Seahawk!”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Find the thing that brings you pure joy and connects you to who you are. Never be too busy for it. The job will be there, the chores will be there, but don’t lose your passion because that’s what makes you feel alive!
Seahawk Spotlight: Michael Ratigan
Name: Michael Ratigan
Class of: 2000
Events: 100yd & 200yd Back; 200yd & 500yd Free
Profession: Business Owner
Current Residence: Elon, NC
What is your favorite memory of being a part of UNCW’s S&D program?
· During my freshman year at UNCW, winning the CAA title in the 100yd Backstroke was a remarkable personal achievement that will forever hold a special place in my memory. Although successfully defending my title during my sophomore year was also noteworthy, it didn’t leave the same lasting impression as the incredible moment when my teammates Marc Moore and Shaun Hill joined me in sweeping the CAA podium in the 100yd Backstroke.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s S&D program impacted or influenced your life?
· Coach Allen’s swimming & diving program at UNCW played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as a successful business owner. The dedication, discipline, and teamwork fostered through the sport have been invaluable in my entrepreneurial endeavors. The relentless pursuit of excellence and the ability to adapt to challenges, both in and out of the water, instilled in me a resilient mindset that propels me forward as a business owner. Moreover, the lessons learned from balancing academics with rigorous training have honed my time management skills, enabling me to effectively prioritize tasks and make the most of every opportunity. The camaraderie and support I experienced while at UNCW have also translated into my professional life, as I value collaboration and building strong relationships with clients, partners, and employees. Overall, the experiences and lessons learned under Coach Allen’s tutelage have indelibly shaped my path as a successful business owner, empowering me to overcome obstacles, strive for excellence, and foster a thriving enterprise.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
· After completing my grad school, I relocated to New York City shortly after the tragic events of 9/11. I lived there for one year where I was the Aquatics Director of a health club. Subsequently, I made a move to South Florida, where I worked as a high school English teacher and swim coach at Pine Crest School and North Broward Prep. In 2008, I returned to North Carolina with the purpose of transforming my father’s idea of rope protection products into a thriving business venture. Our family business, Fjord, Inc.’s primary brands, Chafe-Pro® and STREP®, cater to the needs of the marine and climbing rope’s industries respectively, and have achieved worldwide distribution. Together, my father and I have been granted 15 patents in both the United States and the European Union, with an additional 8 patents currently pending.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
· The original Buddy’s & Red Dogs at Wrightsville Beach and of course P.T.’s. Though closed now, Flips BBQ on Oleander was my go-to place after surfing.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
· Here’s to ECU!!!
Parting advice for current UNCW S&D and/or recent alumni?
· Embrace every challenge that comes your way, both in and out of the water, for it is through overcoming these obstacles that you will grow and thrive. Remember the importance of discipline, teamwork, and dedication that you have learned as swimmers, as these qualities will serve you well in any endeavor you pursue. Cherish the friendships and bonds you have formed within this program, as they are invaluable sources of support and inspiration. Finally, always believe in yourself and never settle for mediocrity. With passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of your goals, you have the power to achieve greatness. Trust in your abilities, embrace the journey, and let the lessons learned in the pool guide you to success in all areas of your lives. Congratulations, and best of luck in all your future endeavors, it’s a great day to be a Seahawk!!!
Seahawk Spotlight: Stephanie Lundstrom
Name: Stephanie Lundstrom (Ramsey)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of __07__
Events: 200 fly 500 freestyle
Degree: Elementary Education
Profession: Branch Office Administrator with Edward Jones Investments
Current residence: Concord, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory is when I took the conference championship in the 200 fly while claiming UNCWs school record and freshman record. I remember jumping in to warmup for this race and knowing taper came together just right by how I felt in the water. The energy of our team as I walked out for the final and the excitement at the end of the race was so overwhelming. I feel this sticks with me more due to the fact I had surgery on both shoulders during my junior year of high school and overcoming this obstacle was a great accomplishment. My teammates had a big part of this by pushing me everyday in training to be better then before and I’ll be forever grateful.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I feel that every part of my life has been impacted in some way by being part of this team. Whether it be life long friends, or the time management between practice and school studies, or the goal setting and how to break those down into attainable goals. These and more carry over into everyday life.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After college I moved back to Charlotte and taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 10 years. During that time, I received my Masters in Elementary Education, I married my husband Matt and moved to Concord. After having our daughter Aubrey in 2017, I stayed home for a few years and I am now working for Edward Jones Investments.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
K38 and margarita Mondays
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?
This quote has always stuck with me, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” by Booker T Washington
Seahawk Spotlight: Emily Brown
Name: Emily Brown (formerly Schwartz)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2014
Events: 200Fr, 500 Fr, 1650 Fr
Degree: BS Marine Biology and Chemistry UNCW; PhD Biology Georgia Tech
Profession: Postdoctoral research in Marine ecology
Current residence: Charleston, SC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
The entire conference meet my senior year… the year that wasn’t supposed to happen. I remember Coach Allen starting the meet by saying “Remember last May? We weren’t supposed to be here. Let’s show them why we are.” Almost getting cut in the spring made the meet that much more special and provided even more motivation. Then watching the men’s team bring home their 13th straight championship. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
It taught me how to be a part of team and Coach Allen really showed me how to build a strong team. As I begin to take on a leadership role in labs I often reflect on how Coach managed to find ways to motivate all of us swimmers and get us to all work together even though we had a wide array of personalities. If I can lead a lab the same way Coach led us as a team then I will consider myself successful. Also, winter training and the push to save the team in 2013 showed me that I have way more grit than I give myself credit sometimes. So whenever I feel like I am struggling in a workout, work, or life I can look back at my time on the UNCW Swim and Dive team and know that I am capable of getting through whatever life throws at me.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I got married to my college boyfriend David Brown. I also went on to get my PhD in Biology with a minor in Marine Chemical Ecology at Georgia Tech. Currently I am splitting my time between my home in Charleston, SC with my husband and dog (Rhea) and finishing up a postdoctoral researcher position in Fort Myers, FL at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I was a bit of a nerd so the Center For Marine Science, the Catholic center, and the beaches (Kure beach for a quiet day or Wrightsville Beach when I was feeling more social)
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Sea, Sea, Sea, Seahawks!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
We have a huge alumni network in many different careers so don’t be afraid to reach out and utilize it. Also, it’s ok to take a bit of a break when you finish your swimming/diving career but then find some way to be active. After all the years of competitive swimming/diving training we become creatures of habit and keeping active is something your body and mental health will thank you for.
24 Hours of Giving Day Challenge
24 Hours of Giving Day Challenge starts tomorrow Tuesday at 12pm until Wednesday at 12pm. How can you help our program the most?
1. We are going to split our focus. We kindly ask you to support our program through 2 different funds.
• Support Fund: this is the fund that can help S&D most! Funds would be available immediately to the program as soon as the donations are in.
• Scholarships Fund: this fund helps the athletic department to pay for our current scholarships.
2. SUPPORT FUND. This is the most important fund for the development of our program. This is the fund that we can grow together and help us increase our yearly operational budget. We are shooting for the most dollar amount for this fund. Please use this link for Support fund (make sure you choose the support fund): https://uncwsports.evenue.net/www/ev_uncw-athletics/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=SWIM&siteId=ev_uncw-athletics&locale=en_US&linkID=uncw-athletics (https://uncwsports.evenue.net/www/ev_uncw-athletics/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=SWIM&siteId=ev_uncw-athletics&locale=en_US&linkID=uncw-athletics)
3. We are shooting for the greatest NUMBER of donors to the Scholarship Fund (not dollar amount). The number of donors to this fund will be counted towards the giving
day competition. Please use this specific link:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/33576/donations/new?designation=swimanddivescholarship&a=6545092 (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/33576/donations/new?designation=swimanddivescholarship&a=6545092)
Seahawk Spotlight: Rebekah Asselin (Teague)
Name: Bekah (Teague) Asselin
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of: 2006
Events: 50 Free, 100 Back, 100 Fly, 100 Free
Degree: BA in Communication Studies
Profession: Marketing Consultant in Healthcare
Current residence: Leesburg, VA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
It’s the easy answer, but it’s the truest one: winning CAA’s senior year, along with the men’s team, and Coach Allen getting coach of the year for both teams! I was on the team during the early to middle years of the men’s team dominating the conference – and it was exciting, but it was tough. We (the women) were working just as hard, just as many hours each week, and we craved an opportunity to be on top. 2006 was a dream come true- it all fell into place, session after session. As a sprinter, I got to be a part of relays pretty often, and it was always my favorite way to race. I’ll never forget leading off the 400 free relay in that final session, knowing we were likely to win the race, but knowing we were for sure going to take the title for the meet. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my collegiate career. Both teams crowding around the podium- with a championship trophy for each of us- and jumping into the pool together was the cherry on top!
Least favorite memory? 3,000 for time, 3 mile run, 3,000 for time. Not what I was made for.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I don’t think you realize the physical and mental toughness you develop as a collegiate athlete, especially as a swimmer, while it’s happening. But when you get the chance to look back, you realize all the ways it’s formed you into the person you’ve become. There are things I learned that have served me well- commitment, dedication, time management, resiliency- but the relationships I built have influenced my life the most.
Living together can make anyone close, but showing up every day – committed to the same goal and pushing your body as hard as you can to reach that goal- that can bring you closer than a lot of people will ever experience.
I met my best friend, Whitney Woods on my recruiting trip my senior year, when I was only 16. We both committed to UNCW and lived in the same suite our freshman year- then we chose to be roommates off campus for the next 3 years and eventually she stood next to me on my wedding day. Every fall we text each other to say “Happy Anniversary” for the time we met, and 2023 will be 22 years! (now I feel quite old). All of that to say- being a part of this team gave me a family. A home away from home. Whitney may be my true OG, but there a lot of us who still stay in touch- we text regularly and try to get together when we can. We’ve been through marriages and divorces, we’ve lost parents and siblings and teammates, some have even battled cancer- but we all know there’s a group of girls to reach out to, who care, and who have been there through the thick of it all.
Without UNCW Swimming & Diving, those relationships wouldn’t exist.
I will always be thankful for Coach Allen, for bringing this team into my life- all the people that spanned my 4 years. It’s a pretty incredible thing to be a part of.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I married a guy from UNCW who played soccer, and we managed to stay in Wilmington for several years. Looking for something to fill the void left by swimming, I slowly took up running and started doing triathlons. We moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and lived there for 8 years where I started working in healthcare marketing, and I’m still with that company. God has given us 3 amazing little girls, and now we live near where I grew up in Northern Virginia. Last summer, my 5 & 7 year olds completed their first summer league swim season together, and its really wild to be on the other end of it now. I only hope they love it as much as I did!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
We lived at the beach our senior year, so I’ve got to say the beach bars. But also, Flaming Amy’s. Two words: pineapple salsa.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
I know everyone loves when the guys do “Game Time”, and we’ll always have fond memories of Coach Allen dancing to Sweet Caroline, but I think there was something really cool about saying the Lord’s Prayer together, especially at conferences. Its quiet, and everyone’s huddled together. Coach is reading through the meet sheet, telling us how many swimmers each team has in the prelim and final heats- and what we have to do to pull ahead or lock in a win. Its like the anticipation builds and you’re getting focused and hyped- and then everyone quietly, in low voices, says the Lord’s Prayer. The calm before the storm- then he just unleashes us to go get the job done.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Find something you love to do- a new sport, or maybe return to an old one that you gave up a long time ago. You’d be surprised how many things are out there that can give you that “team” feeling. And never forget that it’s a great day to be a Seahawk!
Seahawk Spotlight: Rob Anderson
Name: Rob Anderson
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2010
Events: 100 Breast, 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Fly
Degree: Community Health
Profession: Composite Fabricator (Cherry Point), IT Specialist (Navy Reserve)
Current residence: Morehead City, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
There are so many fond memories of being a part of UNCW Swim & Dive. One that sticks out to me would be my first dual meet as a freshman. It was a home meet against Duke. I grew up in Durham so I was a huge Duke fan. To be representing my school and competing against my favorite college team in my first meet was extremely exciting. I can remember vividly waking up with a burst of adrenaline. It was cold out, but I was radiating with energy. Anybody that swam with me knows that my first couple months of training was a little rough and I was anxious to prove myself. My best event at the time was the 50 Free. We went 1, 2, 3. 1. Eric Boyer, 2. Corey Sturmer, 3. Rob Anderson. I was very proud to be a Seahawk.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I feel fortunate to have been a part of UNCW Swim & Dive. I think one of the big ways it has impacted me is how to be a leader. Of course, in college this was in the realm of swimming, but later it would be carried into various career fields. Comradery and cohesiveness as a unit. I was blessed to have been able to learn from some of the best leaders there are in Coach Allen and Todd Desorbo along with all of the UNCW coaches, trainers, and staff.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After a short coaching opportunity, I enlisted in the Air Force as a security forces specialist. While in I served two years in Okinawa and 15 months in Turkey. After serving I came back to Wilmington shortly to do one more season with WB Ocean Rescue. After that, I worked in various career fields. IT, armored security, coaching, mentoring, plumping, and dredging. Finally ending up doing what I do now. Repairing aircraft parts and IT for the Navy. While I was an armored guard, I met my wife and we now have a beautiful little girl and are expecting another one soon.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Park Ave. paradise, the beach, the rec center courts, and Bojangles
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Breakdown
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy the time you have with your teammates, coaches, and friends. It’s truly a special time and I will cherish it for the rest of my days.