UNCW Swim and Dive class of 2016
Events: 100 fly, 200 fly, 50 free
Degree: Marine Biology
Profession: US Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer
Current Residence: Outer Banks, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Winning the 13th straight CAA Championship in the 400 free relay for Coach Allen’s last meet before retirement.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
The friends I made while a member of the UNCW swim and dive team have become like family to me and we still remain in close contact. Some of the older guys on the team got me to try out for Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue and I was hooked on helping people in the water ever since. I didn’t want to waste all those years staring at a black line on the bottom of the pool and loved saving people in the water on WB so I decided to join the Coast Guard and take it to the next level. None of that would have been possible without the time spent in UNCW’s pool and the influence from the older guys on the swim team that helped guide me in this direction.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I currently reside in the Outer Banks of NC where all I do is train for my job and surf when there are waves. Not far off the life I lived as a member of UNCW swim and dive.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
42 Hillsdale and Jimmies
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“It’s a great day to be a Seahawk” – Dave Allen
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy the time you have with your friends and teammates while you can. It passes quickly and after graduation its hard to get everyone together in the same place again like college.