Name: Sarah Beth Wood (Schooley)
Q&A:
Name: Sarah Beth Wood (Schooley)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2007 – contrary to what my classmates believe 😉
Events: 100 & 200 Back and, my personal favorite, RELAYS!
Degree: Communication Studies & Spanish
Profession: Former TV/Commercial Producer now working on becoming a Paralegal
Current residence: Seattle, WA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Completing my last ever Fly Friday! Just kidding, although that is high up there. My favorite memory is hands down when both the Men’s and Women’s teams won the CAA championships in 2006. All of us on the podium together and then jumping into the pool with Coach Allen while “Sweet Caroline” blasted over the PA system, it was pure joy.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
My time as a member of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program really made me who I am today. Swimming taught me how to set goals and work hard to achieve them, how to keep pushing even when I felt like I had nothing left, how to celebrate successes and to cope with failures, how to perform under pressure, and how we’re better when we work together.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since graduating in 2008 (shout out to all the 5th year seniors out there!), I’ve been working in Film/TV/Commercial production, doing anything from news to reality TV to commercials. I met my now-husband while working on a show in Seattle, and shortly after relocated from LA to the PNW. In 2018, we eloped to Antarctica and got married surrounded by penguins. Now, I’m living and loving life in Seattle. I started open water swimming again and just completed my first 10k this past summer…hard to believe for someone who used to think 200 yards was a long race! In 2021, I went back to school and got my paralegal certification, so hopefully, 2022 will bring the start of a new career, less COVID and more travel, and a Class of 2007 reunion!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Well, Trask Coliseum, obviously! But for real, working at PT’s Grille on Military Cutoff with grill master Melissa Quaranto (Milstead), eating all the pineapple salsa at Flaming Amy’s, and badly singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing” at 22 North.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
SEA-SEA-SEAHAWKS!!! That may be the only one I remember, lol.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
The skills you have gained in the pool will serve you well throughout your life. You are so capable. You know how to work extremely hard to accomplish your goals and how to be accountable to yourself and to a team. No matter what you choose to do post college, you are prepared for it.