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!
way back when...
somewhere close to now...