Name: Brendan Curl
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1999
Events: 100/200 breaststroke
Degree: Double major in Marine Biology and Psychology
Profession: Up until last year, professional animal trainer and spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando
Current residence: Clermont, Florida
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I always enjoyed the parties after the meets on Saturdays, games of Anchorman, listening to Dave Matthews and Smashing Pumpkins watching Matt Allen and Mike Ratigan play Zoom Zorch (I actually never played, not even once!) and of course the infamous 200 IM’s on the carpet! Finding the pedal for my BMX bike after missing it for months my freshman year, only a few people from my class may remember that LOL! I enjoyed traveling and competing at different universities and all the camaraderie and support from team members. I especially remember the first time I broke the school record for the 100 breaststroke at the ECAC Championships my sophomore year. The timing board was at the opposite end of the pool deck from the finish and my eyesight sucked so I had no idea what my time was until Mark Ellington congratulated me and then as I walked to the other side of the pool so I could see what my time was every single person on the team congratulated me as well and that meant a lot 🙂
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I wanted to swim in college to find out what my potential was. I was a walk-on and my first couple years I couldn’t even make most of the intervals in practice so I just kept swimming and did whatever the other people in my lane were doing since they left before I got back to the wall and I had no idea what the set was. I learned how to work hard and completely devote myself in the aspiration of achieving my goals. I also learned the value of a support network, family and friends. In everything I do, I do my best to help and support others because you never know just how much that support may mean to someone.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Professionally, over the last 20 years, I was an animal trainer and spokesperson at SeaWorld Orlando until being laid off due to the pandemic last year. I did water work with killer whales, dolphins, walrus and sea lions. Over the years I’ve educated and entertained millions of guests and helped foster a connection with the environment and encourage people to become good stewards of the world we all live in. Personally, I am married to my wonderful wife Billie-Jean, we don’t have any children but we do have three dogs, a bird, and some fish (LOL). I got pretty serious in the world of triathlons for a while and competed as a member of Team USA at the age group World Championships on six occasions. My wife and I love to travel as much as possible and experience and learn about other cultures and people. We have made it to every continent except Antarctica, and some of our favorite trips have included swimming in the Amazon river, hiking to Machu Picchu, climbing glaciers in southern Patagonia, overnighting in the crater of Mount Kilimanjaro, camping on the Serengeti during the Great Migration, swimming with great white sharks in South Africa, playing with Kangaroos and wallabies in Australia and most recently hiking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The no travel thing during the pandemic really sucks – LOL!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
The Sandbar: on a college budget you can’t beat $5 all you can drink! At least back then…
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
I’m with Jessiy Bader on this one, “the home of the Seahawks!” Sing it!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy your time at UNCW and accomplish all you can! Live life to the fullest but start your 401k early! Always remember your teammates and family and their support. Remember to support others, your actions mean something! The world is going to throw curveballs at you and put mountains in your way, dodge and climb past any obstacle you encounter, you can surpass all your expectations with continued hard work and support from your loved ones! Don’t be afraid to chase down your dreams and discover your true potential!