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.