Name: Amanda (Cameron) Sipes
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2009
Events: 200 free and 500 free
Degree: Exercise Science and Health
Profession: Recruiter for CastleBranch
Current residence: Wilmington, North Carolina
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Maybe not favorite but, every year Christmas Training is during my birthday and even though it was not the best way to celebrate my birthday I still got to celebrate it with 50 of my closest friends :).
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being part of the swimming and diving team has impacted my life by helping me realize that you can do anything. If you can swim for two to three hours a day twice a day- you can pretty much do anything you put your mind to and it is never as bad as a practice.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
When I graduated in 2009 I moved to Wrightsville Beach and met my husband. We got married in 2013 and have two daughters; Olivia who is three and Ruby who is one. We try to go to the beach as much as possible and enjoy everything that Wilmington has to offer!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Wrightsville Beach, beach bars, PT’s
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Every time I hear Sweet Caroline I can’t help to smile and think of Coach Allen dancing on the pool deck.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Swimming is hard. Being a collegiate athlete is hard. Make sure you celebrate the success you had over the years and use it to your advantage. Being part of the program has taught me so much and provided me resources that I never knew I had.