Seahawk Spotlight: Anna Tommerdahl
Name: Anna Tommerdahl
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2010
Events: 500, 1000, 1650 free
Degree: BS Marine Biology, BA Math, MS Marine Biology (College of Charleston)
Profession: farmer
Current residence: Semora, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Being part of the team and showing up to practice every day to work hard and feel like I accomplished something. College was rough, to be honest; at the beginning of my freshman year, I herniated a disc and it turned into CRPS/chronic nerve pain down my whole leg that I’m still dealing with today. Being able to continue swimming and have the support of coaches and teammates really did keep me going–not just in swimming, but in life in general. I especially loved ocean swim/run/swims and a good challenge set in the pool–Coach’s ‘Roses and Weeds’ set was one of my favorites.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I learned to be more resilient to failure. With a chronic injury causing my body to continually fail me, it was frustrating to get slower while watching my peers improve and reach their goals. It felt like my hard work never paid off, but I’ve realized since then that it did, just not in the way I wanted at the time. I learned to do things not for the glory or even the pride of accomplishment, but for the simple love and enjoyment of it. I swam to appreciate the journey and not just the endpoint. It taught me to not fear the possibility of failure; there’s no reason to avoid situations just because success seems unlikely. I learned that things can always get worse, so I try to focus on the silver linings. Failing also taught me to cherish success when it does come and to really appreciate the things that I am able to do. It’s easy to stay motivated after success, but learning to persevere through failure has been way more impactful to my life. Starting a business and growing food has brought a lot of failures and having the practice of not giving up has been instrumental in getting through them.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating, I moved to Charleston, SC and got my masters in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston. During that time, I also worked as a swim coach for the local club team (Southern Marlins Racing Team) and was a regular at masters practice every morning. After graduating, I moved back to NC and started a farm business with my brother on family land. My brother raises animals (chickens, turkeys, pigs, and cows), and I do the vegetable production. I grow about an acre of mixed veggies year-round and run a weekly farm stand in Chapel Hill. We have an overarching goal of using ecological/regenerative techniques to produce food in a way that improves the land instead of degrading it as conventional agriculture does. My time spent in the marine biology world taught me that our oceans are sick and agriculture plays a significant role in that. There’s not much to do about it once pollutants reach the ocean, but literally moving upstream from the problem has allowed me to use my degree in an unconventional way and I can attempt to make customers aware that there are downstream effects of their food choices.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
The pool, Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, Dobo Hall, Flaming Amy’s, Boombalati’s
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
The conch shell!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Be appreciative of what you have! Despite my pain and many failures in swimming, I never considered quitting because I still loved it and knew it was a privilege to be on the team. I vividly remember the head Athletic Trainer at the time telling me, “You need to seriously consider what your priorities are and if it’s worth it to you to keep swimming,” about a month into my injury freshman year. While it was a totally inappropriate thing to say at the time for numerous reasons (there’s more to that story…), it helped me realize how much I valued my spot on the team, and I don’t regret my decision at all to keep swimming. Whether you’re aiming to be a CAA champ, or you’re working to earn a spot on the travel team, make sure you appreciate the fact that you have the opportunity to be there and take advantage of it!
Seahawk Spotlight: Tricia VanGraafeiland
Name: Tricia VanGraafeiland
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1996
Events: Diving
Degree: B.S. in Biology and then went on to complete my Doctorate in Pharmacy
Profession: Pharmacist
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
The closeness we all shared as a team is a memory in it self, but my favorite memory was the time we would spend on the beach, just taking in the sun and ocean waves together. You can always come back to the Ocean to clear your mind.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I married a UNCW swimmer and we have 2 incredible children. Our daughter is 17 and is named after the ocean..”Oceana.” Our son is 13 and is named after water as well..”Laiken.” We have 3 Golden Retrievers, all named after water: Harbour, Waverly, and Coastal. As you can tell, UNCW Swimming and Diving shaped who I am today. It was the best experience of my life. I learned so many life lessons that I still use today.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have been a pharmacist, for over 22 years.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
In terms of my favorite cheer, it would have been the loud, banging, cow bell and chant at the beginning of each meet.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For future alumni, You probably don’t realize how special you are and what you have gained, from your experiences and time spent as a UNCW Swimmer or Diver. These experiences will stay with you and help you succeed in so many parts of your life. You are far ahead of the average college graduate.
Seahawk Spotlight: Amanda Russell
Name: Amanda Russell (Formerly Amanda Didawick)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2017
Events: Conference events were 100 fly, 200 fly, 50 free
Degree: Exercise Science
Profession: Physical therapist (Currently practicing as a pediatric PT)
Current residence: Fuquay Varina, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Senior year – Patriot Invitational at George Mason University. It came down to the last relay, UNCW vs Drexel, at finals on Saturday evening. The girls team pulled it out and we won the meet by only 9 points! It was so awesome… The energy/excitement was a memory I’ll never forget – From the parents and alumni in the stands, to everyone on deck. It was a great day to be Seahawk!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I have made lifelong friends, which I now consider my family!! Four of my former teammates were in my wedding. And of course, swimming as a whole and being a college athlete has influenced my life in so many ways, but it has molded me to remain determined, humble, and resilient throughout each success and failure in my life.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I spent three years getting my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. This is where my husband and I met, and we got married May 28th, 2022!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Access 35 at Wrightsville Beach, Trask building (for swim practice and classes!), and Dubs for breakfast after morning practice J
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
SaveD UNCW Swim and Dive – People wrote a ‘D’ in marker on the “Save UNCW Swim and Dive” shirts. Right before my freshman year, we were at risk of being cut as a program and the community, alumni, and current Swim and Dive family came together as one and fought to keep our program alive.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Always have a good attitude and make your setbacks your comebacks. Hold yourself accountable and rise above the low points, because that is what makes a good athlete, teammate, and individual. And don’t forget to cherish every moment on and off the deck… It flies by!
Seahawk Spotlight: Gershon Alaluf
Name: Gershon Alaluf
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of ’95
Events: backstroke, mid-distance freestyle
Degree: BS Chemistry, Minor in Math and Spanish
Profession: Veterinarian and Vacation Rental Consultant
Current residence: Newport Beach, CA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
The team, the travel, being able to say you went through it all with a group of people that have had such a huge impact on your life, the education, and the social life for sure!!!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
It changed my life. I would not be where I am today without Coach Dave Allen and the UNCW Swim Team. It is one of the crucibles that still shape me to this day.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I got my BS and DVM at the University of Illinois. I got married to my wonderful wife. I have 3 amazing daughters that are D1 athletes. I own 2 veterinary practices, one in Laguna Beach and one in Huntington Beach. I also own/run vacation rental properties in SoCal, AZ, and Mexico. I am currently completing my MBA at Pepperdine University.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Reds, Red Dogs, the beach, CLEARBROOK DRIVE, Perkins Saturday mornings after AM practice, PTs whenever we could
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“Here’s to ECU…………………”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For those that have just finished, it is time for you to instil your legacy in the program. What are you going to do to make sure the UNCW swimming and diving team is strong and healthy for years to come? For those that are there right now, LIVE IT UP!!!! Undergrad is the greatest 4,5, or for some 6 years of your life. You are at a school that may be on the smaller side but has amazing stories that can be shared with many generations. Make sure you reach out to the Alumni when you can. We have been through it, lived it, and came out ahead. If you look at the UNCW S&D Alumni, we are the most successful group of scholar-athletes that has ever set foot on campus. The future is limitless but please make sure you do not do stuff that will limit you. Work hard, train hard, study hard, learn your social game and continue that success in and out of the pool.
Seahawk Spotlight: Mike Bitzenhofer
Name: Mike Bitzenhofer
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of ‘87
Events: 200 Fly and Fly on the Medley Relay
Degree: Commercial Recreation
Profession: Registered Nurse
Current residence: Wake Forest, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I have too many happy memories to count. Of course, I have many fond memories of Coach Allen. I do have one question, how could such an unbelievably nice human being inflict such pain on us poor swimmers day after day in the pool and smile the whole time he was doing it? Coach loved being Coach, he loved UNCW, and he genuinely loved us, we could feel it.
Strangely, I have no recollection of those painful workouts. I do remember all the fun that we had together as a team. A meal in the cafeteria after practice usually turned into a party. Somehow after swimming for two and a half we still had enough energy to be a little on the loud side.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
UNCW Swimming gave me the greatest gift possible, lifelong friends. Swimming also gave me a strong work ethic and the knowledge that all is possible if you put in the effort.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating from UNCW I really didn’t have life figured out yet. After a couple of unsatisfying work experiences I went back to school to pursue a Nursing degree. I learned how to be a good student while at UNCW. That, combined with the mental toughness from swimming, enabled me to work gruelling back to back 16 hours shifts as a Nursing assistant while I put myself through Nursing school. I have now been a Pediatric Nurse for 25 years.
For the last 19 years I have had the toughest job of my life……that of a parent!
In 2012 I fell in love with swimming all over again. The pool is a peaceful place where you can let your mind wander and work on life’s problems. As it turns out, competing again is very exhilarating. Swimming fast feels good…..until you are not swimming fast anymore, then it just kinda hurts.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
The Patio comes to mind first, although I think that we had the most fun in our own dorm, Hewlett Hall.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
More than any cheer I remember the pre meet prayer the most. At home meets we would gather in the equipment room and form a circle around Coach and put one hand in the middle while coach said the prayer. I had a superstition at the time that if I was touching Coach’s hand during the prayer I would have a good meet, like he would impart some kind of superpower on me. It worked enough times that I always made sure I was close to Coach when the praying started. After the prayer we would burst out of the equipment room with a roar of enthusiasm.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
There are some people that have life figured out at an early age, they know exactly what they want to do. If you are not one of those people it is OK, there is no big rush to get anywhere by a certain time. As you do progress through life, juggling a career and/or raising a family, remember to take time to take care of yourself. Nobody else can do it for you.
If you are a current swimmer and you are contemplating shaving your head for conference championships, don’t do it (especially if you are a girl). The truth is that we just don’t know how much time we have with our hair. You should cherish this time, splurge on some decent shampoo and conditioner. Someday you may wake up to find that it is gone and it will be too late (sniff sniff).
Seahawk Spotlight: Kenny Mannon
Q&A:
Name: Kenny Mannon
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2011
Events: 100 & 200 breaststroke
Degree: bachelors of science in biology, minor in forensic science
Profession: law enforcement
Current residence: Huntersville, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory is one of personal achievement. As a walk on, my first few weeks of swimming were one of uncertainty. We were in a practice, where there was a final butterfly set. Coach came over to me and said “Kenny, if you can make all this doing breaststroke, you’ll have a spot”. Needless to say, I gave it all I had, and then some. I’ll never forget Coach coming over to me, shaking my hand, and saying “welcome to the team”.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being part of this team has shown me that I am capable of things I never expected – if I put my mind to it, and work hard. It instilled in me a mental toughness that has served me well. It also showed that it’s okay to lean on your teammates, because sometimes they have to lean on you too. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating, I was unsure of what direction I wanted my life to take, so I moved home and worked as a swim coach for a new team for a year. This ultimately wasn’t fulfilling for me, and I decided to take a risk, and pursue my interest in law enforcement. After graduating from the police academy, I tried to make my way back to Wilmington, but wound up in Morehead City for 9 years. Wasn’t quite Wilmington, but at least it was on the coast. Recently, I moved back to where I grew up, and have continued my law enforcement career.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
As a guy who always thought with his stomach, Flaming Amy’s was the spot for me. Every time I’m in town, I go at least once. It’s hard to forget Wagner Hall, especially with it being so close to the suites. Trolley Stop, P.T.s, Flaming Amy’s Bowl, and Tazy’s were also regular spots for me too
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Has to be when Coach would blow in the conch shell and the whole team would throw up a W
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Be proud of the school, and team, when sending out applications or interest letters. Speaking from personal experience, it helped me get my first job. I mentioned that I was a swimmer, and graduate from UNCW, and the chief at the time responded with she was also an athlete, and graduate from UNCW. That connection got my foot in the door and made me stand out from other applicants.
Seahawk Spotlight: Libby Polchin (Mayock)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2012
Events: 200 Free, 500 Free, 100 Free
Degree: BA in Psychology, MS in School Psychology
Profession: School Psychologist
Current residence: Exton, PA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
It feels impossible to whittle it down to just one memory. But my last race of my senior year was one to remember. It was the 4×100 relay and I wasn’t sure if I was even gonna be on the relay (it depended on who swam the fastest in the individual event) and I managed to grab the last spot. It was an honor. It was my first and only gold medal. The cherry on top was I swam it with one of my life long best friends— Mattie Riley. Perfect way to finish my swim career.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
As I mentioned before, the life long best friends I have from the team are what I cherish most. The people I met on the team have shaped me into the person I am today. Friends and coaches who believed in my abilities even when I didn’t.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I moved up to PA, where I was originally born. I graduated from Millersville University in 2017 with a MS in School Psychology. I met my husband and we got married in 2018. I became a mom in 2020 to a future UNCW swimmer. I’ve continued to work as a School Psychologist since graduation and have loved it.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Blue Surf Cafe, Port City Java, and Tower 7
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
FTB — not sure if I can write out what it stands for… but go ask Todd DeSorbo
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
I think Andy Bernard from the Office says it best, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
YOU ARE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS!
Seahawk Spotlight: Kim Jenko
Name: Kim (aka KimJo) Jenko
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2005
Events: 100 & 200 breaststroke, 200 IM
Degree: BS in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry
Profession: Physician Assistant (General Surgery)
Current residence: Baltimore, MD
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program? My favorite memories at UNCW involved being part of a team, especially the camaraderie of cheering and pushing each other through practices I didn’t think I could get through. Another favorite memory is realizing tapering works (I never tapered before UNCW) and swimming fast at the conference meets! Coming from a high school swim with no pool where I swam independently and a small YMCA, the feeling of accomplishing goals as a unit was amazing.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life? Being part of UNCW Swimming & Diving taught me I can really accomplish anything and no matter how difficult something may be, I can push through it. This is in regards to athletics, academics, personal life, mental barriers, anything. It has impacted every part of my life in so many ways, it’s too long to write here.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck? After UNCW I moved to Washington, DC to get my Masters in biochemistry, and then worked at the National Institutes of Health doing research for 7 years. During this time I happily swam and coached Master’s swimming in DC. I decided to go back to school for my Physician Assistant (PA) degree in 2017 and now work as a surgical PA in Baltimore, MD. Also, I’m trying to get back into the pool more!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW? Wrightsville Beach, of course! Also Blue Post, Marrz, and Soapbox in downtown Wilmington
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Our life is your vacation!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni? Let potential employers know you swam D1 in college and use this to your advantage. You will be surprised how many interviewers respond positively to this and the connections you can make with other athletic alumni, even many years out of college. The 4 years of hard work, team spirit, dedication, and perseverance is huge and will take you far!
Seahawk Spotlight: Michael Baric
Name: Michael Baric
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2014
Events: 200IM, 100Back, 200Breast
Degree: History
Profession: Coach
Current residence: Durham, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
One of the first weekends freshmen year some of the team and I went surfing by Crystal Pier. The waves were great so we stayed pretty late into the evening. The sun was setting behind Wrightsville and a band was playing live music at the end of the pier. I just remember sitting there between sets and thinking I had definitely picked the right place to go to school.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I learned so much about myself those four years. I figured out what kind of person I wanted to be and how I wanted to impact the people around me. Those years are such a formative time and the highs and lows of my time there gave me a ton of confidence and belief in myself. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I coach college swimming! I think sport gives such a unique opportunity to connect with people and mentor them through a really cool time in their life. It is so rewarding when one of your athletes accomplishes something that fills themselves with pride and confidence. I was at UNC-CH for six seasons until starting with NC State in April.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I was on a first name bases with the folks at Long Island Eatery. Their Hungry Man Sandwich was perfect after morning practice. Dancing at Neptunes was always a great time 
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
When Coach Allen blew the conch shell at home meets. I always got chills when we threw up the W and screamed in response
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Learn all you can from everyone around you. You’ll probably never be this close to this many people again in your life, so take advantage of the knowledge and experiences of your teammates and your coaches! Work hard when it’s time to work hard. Rest when it’s time to rest. Always bet on yourself and treat people with kindness!
Seahawk Spotlight: Adam Brenneman
Name: Adam Brenneman
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2006
Events: 50 & 100 Free, 100 Back
Degree:
BS Chemistry 2006
BS Biology 2006
Masters Chemistry 2010
Profession: Hall County Fire Rescue – Firefighter / EMT
Current residence: Gainesville, GA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Being part of a team that dominated the conference all 4 years was pretty great. Best swimming related memories were being part of relay teams at conferences and really feeling the team aspect of college swimming.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Any college sport teaches you the importance of time management, physical and mental stress management, and makes you develop a strong work ethic. Members of UNCW Swimming and Diving while I was there learned all these things, and were lucky to get the opportunity to learn other important life lessons from Coach Allen and Forrester. How to be a good person, a good man, and have fun doing what you love.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Right after I left UNCW, I started a business which led me to a career in digital marketing in South Florida. After doing that for about 10 years, my wife Jessie and I moved to Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia and now I get to be a Firefighter/EMT in the county where we live, starting Paramedic school this fall. We just had twin boys (Cooper & Ryder) in December 2021!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Anywhere on a boat.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Billy Rhinehart’s version of Gametime
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy your time in college. Enjoy your sport and your teammates. Prepare for the real world and work hard, but make sure to squeeze every bit of fun out of the time you get to spend in paradise.