Q&A:
Name: Katie Humphries
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2003
Events: 100 and 200 breaststroke
Degree: BA Recreational Therapy
Profession: Real Estate Agent with Fonville Morisey Realty
Current residence: Raleigh, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
There are so many wonderful memories made during my four years as a UNCW swimmer that it is hard to narrow down to one specific time. However, if I had to pick one, I would say when the seniors walked down the pool deck to the coaches on the last day of finals at conference. The feeling of pride I had for accomplishing what at times felt like a task too daunting to complete, four years of swimming in college, was overwhelming and bittersweet. I was so grateful to have been a part of a program that gave me so much and sad to know that it was the end of my swimming career.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a member of the UNCW swim team has intensely influenced my life. First off, I met my husband through the program. That alone is probably the most monumental influence to date. Also, being a student athlete taught me mental, physical, and emotional strength that helped to shape me to become the person I am today.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Will and I got married in 2007 and now live in Raleigh with our three children who love to keep us very busy. I taught elementary school for 11 years, but left teaching in 2017 to become a real estate agent. Throughout the years, Will and I realized that we loved coming back to Wilmington so much that we wanted to own a piece of it ourselves. In 2022, we bought and renovated a property near campus which we now rent out to short and mid-term tenants (Daydream_Wilmington on various platforms). In addition to being a realtor and managing our rental home, I also own BnB on Market which provides support to property owners wanting to maximize their rental income.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I loved (and continue to love) Wrightsville Beach as well as PT’s Grille, downtown, and the many houses that hosted our amazingly fun team parties.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
My favorite cheer would be the “Ole!” cheer. We would huddle a big group, keep repeating “Ole!” chanting louder and louder as we jumped up and down. Seems like an oddly simple cheer which it was, but for some reason it was so much fun to do.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Being a student athlete is hard. I am not quite sure I was prepared as a freshman for how hard it would be. However, it will grow a strength and endurance inside you that will help you the rest of your life. Be proud of how hard the task is and let that be the motivation you need each day in the pool.
Name: Will Humphries
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2002
Events: 1M & 3M Springboard
Degree: BS Computer Science
Profession: Director of Engineering, Endpoint Clinical
Current residence: Raleigh, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory from UNCW would have to be Coach Ellington. He was a coach that genuinely cared about his divers, even those of us that I am sure frustrated him beyond belief at times. I will never forget all that he did for me during my 4 years at UNCW. He was the first in the pool when I hit my head on the board in Chapel Hill and stayed at the hospital until I was discharged. He helped me with the lyrics to little red corvette on my 21st birthday and he talked down a physics professor that threatened to fail me if I missed his exam for an away meet (and somehow managed to get him to come a meet and cheer us on). Even after graduation Marc kept in touch. He called when he saw my name on record boards in different pools or to let me know when mine came down at home or just to check in to see how I was doing. I was lucky to experience a coach like Marc and will forever be grateful for the time we shared at UNCW.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
My time in the program has influenced my life in more ways than I would have imagined while I was there. I met my wife in the program, and we hare 3 wonderful kids that share our love and passion for Wilmington, the beach, and all things Seahawk. It instilled traits like grit, determination, drive, and teamwork that have enabled me to be successful after college.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since leaving UNCW, I started a career in software engineering and coached high school and age group diving in my spare time. About 15 years ago I moved over to software development in the clinical space and am currently the Director of Engineering for an eClinical software company. I married Katie McNulty, and we have three amazing kids aged 7, 10, and 13 that are all active in multiple sports. If Katie and I aren’t working, you will typically find us cheering for the kids at tennis, soccer, volleyball, or swimming.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Mercer’s Pier, Masonboro, the beach access at Mallard, taking the Jeeps to Carolina Beach, PT’s, Priddy Boys, the Reel Cafe, Inland Greens for beer golf, and who didn’t love the SandBar
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Ethan Bridges leading Game Time
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy every minute of your time at UNCW. You will cherish these memories forever and will have built relationships that will last you a lifetime. The hard work you put into the pool will pay dividends for years to come.