Seahawk Spotlight: Jocelyn Christiansen
Name: Jocelyn Christiansen (formerly Pahutski)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2008
Events: 100 & 200 Backstroke, 200 IM
Degree: Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism
Profession: Loan Officer
Current residence: Orlando, FL
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Winning the championship in 2006 during my sophomore year. Both the men and women won together making it double as exciting and enjoyable for the entire team together!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I always say that swimming as a D1 athlete has made me into the person that I am today. I still have anxiety and a fear of running late, as if I was going to have to run a mile for being late or some type of dry land punishment hah! But that’s a good thing for my punctuality. I set goals and push myself to accomplish them in everyday life; I learned how to be a team player and help push others to reach their goals; and I am super competitive with everything I do. I learned if you put the work in, you get the results out which is something you can take with you way beyond the swimming pool.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I was lucky enough to stay in Wilmington for a few years after college where I started my career in Wilmington on the radio as an on air personality. I worked the rock station station for a while then moved over to nights on Z107.5 and eventually up to the morning show for a few years. That opened the door to expand my career to a morning show in Georgia on a country station for a year. Long distance love then brought me down to Orlando Florida where I worked for the Orlando Magic in sales for 5 and a half years. The pandemic opened up a door in the housing industry to try another new career as a loan officer for Home1st Lending where I am currently at and loving it!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Wrightsville Beach! I escaped to the beach between classes, after practice or any chance I got to put my toes in the sand and enjoy how lucky we were to go to college at the beach!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Sea-Sea-Sea Seahawks!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
The friends you make, the coaches that impact your life and the lessons you learned, both hard and easy, while being a part of such a special program at UNCW Swim & Dive will forever impact your life. Take those memories with you and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to!
Seahawk Spotlight: Scott Royal
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.
Seahawk Spotlight: Kevin Norman
Name: Kevin Norman
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2005
Events: 500 – 1000 – 1650 – 400 IM
Degree: Exercise Science and Community Health
Profession: Head Coach, Brown Men’s Swimming & Diving
Current residence: Lincoln, Rhode Island
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My first college dual meet! I was so nervous, we went on the road to swim Duke, a team that had beaten us by 2 the previous season, and we rolled them. Awesome feeling and great way to start my collegiate career! I also think back to my last finals session at CAA Champs in 2005. I swam my last mile, got out of the water and got the biggest bear hug from Coach Allen after a great swim, and then just enjoyed every second of watching us swim away from George Mason on our way to our 4th straight title. The celebration after a championship is always incredible, but that being my last one was very special. I may have been the last person out of the water.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a college coach, I can confidently say my experience at UNCW influences what I do every day. I would not have chosen coaching as a career had I not had such an amazing experience swimming at UNCW. I also credit a lot of my team’s success to what I learned swimming for Coach Allen in terms of how to motivate, communicate and find that perfect balance of intensity and fun that creates fast swimming.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since graduating I went on to get my M.S. in Exercise Science – Human Performance from Southern Connecticut State University while I worked as a volunteer coach at Yale. I then went on to coach at the University of the South for a season and returned to Yale as an assistant for 9 years. I’m now in my third year as head coach at Brown.
I got married in 2011 to my wife, Kim, and we have three active, happy and crazy little boys named Ryder (8), Cooper (6) and Knox (3). No swimmers, they’re all very into baseball, soccer and flag football (Ryder is trying to convince mom to let him play tackle next season).
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
On campus – The pool as crazy as it might sound! What I learned in that space shaped me in so many ways! I also always loved Chancellor’s Walk right through the center of camps.
Off campus – Wrightsville Beach, PT’s and, of course, the Peach Palace on Hillsdale!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
HAWKPRIDE and SEA-SEA-SEA – SEAHAWKS!!!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Current swimmers, I know it sounds cliche, but enjoy every second and take in the day-to-day moments. Looking back, my fondest memories were a lot of the things I just took for granted like breakfast at Wagner after morning practice, the fun banter during weights and lazy Saturday afternoons on WB after a brutal Saturday morning workout.
Recent alumni, keep in touch with the teammates, friends, coaches and professors that made UNCW such a wonderful experience for you! As fast as college goes by, life after college goes even faster and it gets hard to stay connected to those people. Keep those relationships strong!!!
Seahawk Spotlight: Matt Allen
Name: Matt Allen
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1998
Events: 500 Free, 1650 Free, 400 IM, 200 Free
Degree: Environmental Studies
Profession: Supply Chain Infrastructure Leader at GE Aviation
Current residence: Marblehead, MA (15 miles Northeast of Boston)
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memories all tie back spending time with teammates and enjoying the racing & competition. I have so many fond memories of those times and developing lifelong bonds with so many quality people. I also miss Saturday racing and doing what I could do in order to help the team win.
My memories of being “part” of the UNCW Swimming and Diving program truly consumes my entire life since I can remember and I am extremely thankful for that. I have so many great memories of my childhood being around the team, as a swimmer on the team, and now an alumni watching from a distance.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Swimming, in general, taught me so much about life, perseverance, hard-work and disappointment. Never in my years of swimming, did I ever experience the true sense of “team” like I did at UNCW. It taught me the importance of working with others towards a common goal and now today working with great working professionals to accomplish our own common goals.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Today, my life is consumed with family and work. I have been married to my wife (Angie) for 16 years and we have 4 ACTIVE boys (Collin (12), Hudson (10), Rowan, (8) and Bryson (6). The boys keep us jumping and constantly moving in sports, school, music and outdoor time. I recently took on a personal challenge and ran the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon on January 9th. I have never been a runner so this was a recent personal accomplishment I never imagined doing.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
It might sound crazy but the UNCW pool – soon to be named the Dave Allen Natatorium! I literally grew up there, so it has to be a favorite.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“Start your Day with DBA”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Don’t leave with any regrets and always give it your all! You will look at these years as some of the best in your life so make the most of it and enjoy every moment!
Seahawk Spotlight: Molly Rouse
Name: Molly Rouse
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2006
Events: Diving
Degree: Communication Studies
Profession: Elementary Reading Teacher
Current residence: Greenville, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Being on the pool deck cheering alongside my teammates. Whether it was a dual meet, The Patriot Invite, or CAAs we always cheered like it was the most important meet we would be competing in.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a member of the UNCW Swimming and Diving team taught me how much hard work pays off. I certainly came to practice some days with doubts, but Coach Ellington pushed us to work hard every day and it paid off on meet days.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I moved to Greenville a few years after graduating UNCW to complete a graduate degree in teaching. The town sucked me in and I’ve been here almost 14 years. I have worked in various elementary grade levels and I’m currently working as a reading specialist. My wonderful husband Kevin and I have been married for 3 1/2 years and just welcomed our little girl, Harper in August.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Flaming Amy’s, 22 North, Lagerheads, Fibber McGees, Wrightsville Beach, Hawks Nest
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Sea, Sea, Sea, Sea-Hawks!!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Do your best to keep in touch with everyone. You will build incredible relationships while on the team and those relationships can last a lifetime. Don’t take your time in Wilmington for granted, you’ll think back often and wish you could do it all over again.
Seahawk Spotlight: Sarah Beth Wood
Name: Sarah Beth Wood (Schooley)
Q&A:
Name: Sarah Beth Wood (Schooley)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2007 – contrary to what my classmates believe 😉
Events: 100 & 200 Back and, my personal favorite, RELAYS!
Degree: Communication Studies & Spanish
Profession: Former TV/Commercial Producer now working on becoming a Paralegal
Current residence: Seattle, WA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Completing my last ever Fly Friday! Just kidding, although that is high up there. My favorite memory is hands down when both the Men’s and Women’s teams won the CAA championships in 2006. All of us on the podium together and then jumping into the pool with Coach Allen while “Sweet Caroline” blasted over the PA system, it was pure joy.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
My time as a member of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program really made me who I am today. Swimming taught me how to set goals and work hard to achieve them, how to keep pushing even when I felt like I had nothing left, how to celebrate successes and to cope with failures, how to perform under pressure, and how we’re better when we work together.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since graduating in 2008 (shout out to all the 5th year seniors out there!), I’ve been working in Film/TV/Commercial production, doing anything from news to reality TV to commercials. I met my now-husband while working on a show in Seattle, and shortly after relocated from LA to the PNW. In 2018, we eloped to Antarctica and got married surrounded by penguins. Now, I’m living and loving life in Seattle. I started open water swimming again and just completed my first 10k this past summer…hard to believe for someone who used to think 200 yards was a long race! In 2021, I went back to school and got my paralegal certification, so hopefully, 2022 will bring the start of a new career, less COVID and more travel, and a Class of 2007 reunion!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Well, Trask Coliseum, obviously! But for real, working at PT’s Grille on Military Cutoff with grill master Melissa Quaranto (Milstead), eating all the pineapple salsa at Flaming Amy’s, and badly singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing” at 22 North.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
SEA-SEA-SEAHAWKS!!! That may be the only one I remember, lol.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
The skills you have gained in the pool will serve you well throughout your life. You are so capable. You know how to work extremely hard to accomplish your goals and how to be accountable to yourself and to a team. No matter what you choose to do post college, you are prepared for it.
Seahawk Spotlight: Dean McCain
Name: Dean McCain
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2010
Events: 50/100 free & 200/400 free relay
Degree: International Business
Profession: Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Management
Current residence: Charlotte, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I loved having breakfast at Wag with the team after morning practices. We would take up a huge table and enjoy being together after a tough (and cold) practice. It was a great chance to take a breath and relax before the rest of the school got moving.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
The most valuable takeaway from my time on the team has been the importance of perseverance. Being a Seahawk swimmer taught me that no matter how tough the challenge is (and there were a LOT of tough challenges), what matters most is giving everything you have to get the job done. At the end of the day, if you can look back and be proud of your efforts, you have succeeded.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I spend my free time backpacking around the NC mountains, on the water (kayaking, boating, paddle boarding), and exploring Charlotte with other swimmer alums.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Two Guys Grille & PT’s, Yosake sushi downtown, and Port City Java on Front street where I met my spouse.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
It’s ALWAYS a great day to be a Seahawk.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Attitude and perspective are everything in life. There will be ups and downs for everyone. It’s how you choose to carry forward that makes the difference.
Seahawk Spotlight: Bobby Guntoro
Name: Bobby Guntoro
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2011
Events: 100 Fly, 100 Back, 200 IM
Degree: Business, accounting
Profession: Swim Coach
Current residence: Wilmington
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program? Going to conference championships and win team titles.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life? I get to stay in the USA 
haha! I learned many life lessons from my experience at UNCW. Life is all about managing the ups and downs. Coach always said that we have to manage our bad days to be successful at the end of the season. Whenever I have my bad days, I go back to my swimming days and focus on managing it as best as I could.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck? I was working in the accounting field as soon as I graduated. Decided to change my professional career to become a full time coach in 2012 and joined NC State coaching staff. I stayed at NC State until July 2020 and now back at UNCW as the head coach. It’s a dream comes true!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW? INDOCHINE! If you’ve never been, you’re missing out!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer? Breakdown.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni? Be present and enjoy your time. This truly the best 4 years of your life.
Seahawk Spotlight: Beau Bunn
Name: Beau Bunn
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1999
Events: Diving
Degree: undergrad: physical education 99’
Masters: higher educational leadership 2018
Profession: UNCW Dive Coach
Current residence: Wilmington NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program? The teammates that became lifelong friends and being part of a family that I am proud to still be a part of today.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life? Coach Allen and Coach Ellington worked to show fairness among all the team and supported everyone the best they could. I worked full time while in school and they supported that and worked with me to help me be successful. I try to support the team in the way they need, not the way I think they need.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck? After school I continued to work retail for nearly 12 years. Then got into construction (roofing and tile) then got back into coaching; high school at first, then full time club while volunteer assisting at Duke then and now the head coach here at UNCW.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
PTs for food And the woods behind the suites riding my mountain bike when I wasn’t working.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Divers of that time would remember either
A1 or you’re the duck.
Coach Ellington would sometimes say the weirdest things that made sense and stuck. He was great.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Current swimmers and divers: relish the time. It’s a special time and an honor to represent UNCW. You are a select few. Support each other in and out of the pool.
Recent alumni. Stay involved. Come back and visit. Share your stories and stay in touch.
Seahawk Spotlight: Tucker Waldron
Name: Tucker Waldron
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2011
Events: 100 fly, 100 free
Degree: Environmental Science
Profession: High School Biology Teacher
Current residence: Asheville NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
This may seem a bit sadistic but my favorite memories are from Christmas training. I always loved the opportunity to have a singular focus and effort on swimming and nothing else. Coming out on the other side of Christmas training always made you a stronger swimmer and all-around person. It also brought you so much closer together with everyone as a team having that shared struggle.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Too many to name! The best man at my wedding was my room-mate all 4 years UNCW. I carry the ethic of hard work that was instilled in my time there by Coach Allen, Todd Desorbo and Dan Forester into everything I do to this day.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I moved from Wilmington to NJ to Asheville, where I’ve been for 8 years now. I coached the Y team here and taught yoga for several years. I’m now teaching high school science at Asheville High School.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Park Ave, when half the swim team lived on the same street will always hold a special place in my heart.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
It’s not a cheer but I love the “Sweet Caroline” tradition from Coach Allen’s days.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
If you follow what you love to do, the road might not be straight or narrow but it will be