Name: George Vlahos
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2019
Events: 200 Fly/Breast/IM, 400 IM, 500/1650 Free
Degree: Major in Exercise Science, Minor in Biology
Profession: Swim Coach
Current residence: Winston-Salem, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I was originally being recruited by College of Charleston and had my mind set on going there, until unfortunately during my senior year of high school, the swim and dive team got cut. I reached out to UNCW only to find out that the roster had been full. My plan was to swim through the summer of my senior year of high school and then go to UNCW for school and potentially just do the club team. I then got an email in mid-June asking me if I wanted to tryout for a spot on the team, to which I accepted and made the team there. I had no expectations on the season since I (along with fellow classmates at the time Brad Allison, Joey Kriegler and Mason Trivette) literally got one of the last spots available. At the CAA Championships that year, I went under the freshman record in the 400 IM (until one of my other classmates beat me) and was 3 seconds off the 1650 freshman record and got my first top 8 finish. I just remember all of the upperclassmen coming up to me afterwards and being super excited for what I had done and all I could think at that moment was “this is exactly where I belong.”
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
It taught me to bet on myself, take risks and manage my time. I was never supposed to make the team, until I did. Alway bet on yourself and take chances because you don’t want to have any regrets.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I moved back to Winston-Salem and am currently coaching my old club team of TYDE.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Has got to be Beach Bagels and Michaelangelos!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Flip the switch!!!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Again, don’t be afraid to take a risk on yourself. It’s better to have tried and failed, than to have not tried at all.