Name: KJ Bentley (formerly KJ Silver)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2000
Events: 50,100 free
Degree: BA Special Education (2004) MA Language and Literacy (2005)
Profession: Title 1 (Kindergarten-5th grade) Intervention Specialist
Current residence: Painter, VA out on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I loved being a part of the Swim/Dive family. There are SO many memories but if I had to pick one it would be winning CAAs my sophomore year. We were the first team to win the CAA title and it was an amazing feeling!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I used to jokingly say that swimming trained me how to operate on little sleep but in reality my experience as a Seahawk swimmer has taught me so much more than that. Now that I am coaching high school age kids I reflect on lessons I learned about training, sportsmanship, dedication and commitment from Coach Allen. I value team culture above anything else because my experience at UNCW was with such a positive and supportive team culture. I attribute that team culture to Coach Allen’s leadership and example. I’m proud to say that my high school swimmers are known for their sportsmanship across the teams we swim against. Over the past 2 years on my high school team we have taught four kids how to swim. This would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of their teammates. The team environment I experienced during my four years at UNCW directly impacted the expectations I have for my swimmers.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since swimming at UNCW I have gotten married and had 3 daughters, Grace (17) Sarah (15) Caroline (11). I currently teach reading and math interventions at an elementary school. I also coach the summer league team, High School Swim Team and the USA Team out on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I never thought I would be coaching, but here I am. My husband is a starter/ref so it makes swim meets a family affair.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Some of my favorites: taking the dogs to Shell Island Dog Beach, studying and swimming at Mallard St beach access, sitting on the ledge at Buddy’s and grabbing a burger from PT’s.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Coach Allen would shout “Hi-Ho Silver- AWAY” when I got up on the blocks. It was a reference to the Lone Ranger and what he would yell to his horse as they galloped away after the bad guys. It would always help shake off that last bit of nerves before I swam.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Cherish the memories you are making, even the hard ones. You will look back and see all the lessons you have been taught by the sport, your coaches and your teammates.