Name: Rob Anderson
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2010
Events: 100 Breast, 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Fly
Degree: Community Health
Profession: Composite Fabricator (Cherry Point), IT Specialist (Navy Reserve)
Current residence: Morehead City, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
There are so many fond memories of being a part of UNCW Swim & Dive. One that sticks out to me would be my first dual meet as a freshman. It was a home meet against Duke. I grew up in Durham so I was a huge Duke fan. To be representing my school and competing against my favorite college team in my first meet was extremely exciting. I can remember vividly waking up with a burst of adrenaline. It was cold out, but I was radiating with energy. Anybody that swam with me knows that my first couple months of training was a little rough and I was anxious to prove myself. My best event at the time was the 50 Free. We went 1, 2, 3. 1. Eric Boyer, 2. Corey Sturmer, 3. Rob Anderson. I was very proud to be a Seahawk.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I feel fortunate to have been a part of UNCW Swim & Dive. I think one of the big ways it has impacted me is how to be a leader. Of course, in college this was in the realm of swimming, but later it would be carried into various career fields. Comradery and cohesiveness as a unit. I was blessed to have been able to learn from some of the best leaders there are in Coach Allen and Todd Desorbo along with all of the UNCW coaches, trainers, and staff.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After a short coaching opportunity, I enlisted in the Air Force as a security forces specialist. While in I served two years in Okinawa and 15 months in Turkey. After serving I came back to Wilmington shortly to do one more season with WB Ocean Rescue. After that, I worked in various career fields. IT, armored security, coaching, mentoring, plumping, and dredging. Finally ending up doing what I do now. Repairing aircraft parts and IT for the Navy. While I was an armored guard, I met my wife and we now have a beautiful little girl and are expecting another one soon.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Park Ave. paradise, the beach, the rec center courts, and Bojangles
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Breakdown
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy the time you have with your teammates, coaches, and friends. It’s truly a special time and I will cherish it for the rest of my days.