Seahawk Spotlight: Chantal Woodard
Name: Chantal Woodard
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2010
Events: 400 IM, 100 BK, 200 BK
Degree: BA in Spanish
Profession: Graduate Student at UNC Greensboro, Class of 2026 – currently pursuing a Masters in Library Science
Current residence: Charlotte, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I loved dancing with Coach my senior year at CAA’s. There were semi-consistent tech failures that were happening that year at Conference with the timing system, so we had music breaks while they got fixed. I think it was after my 200 BK that another one happened. I was so happy to be done and everyone was in a good mood because it was the end of the meet, that I danced with Coach and we were silly and spontaneous. I loved those moments of joy on the pool deck.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
When I got into swim coaching, it was fun to meet so many UNCW alum who coach as a youth coach and college coach. In meeting other coaches, even in the West Coast the swim world felt big yet small and talking about my time with the team was a great connector with a lot of people. In a personal way, I have stayed connected with a lot of people from my graduating class and the classes above and below mine. I have been friends with my teammates for half my life at this point and that is wild.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I’ve been an explorer these past 15 years! I volunteered for Peace Corps Jamaica from 2012 to early 2015, it was a life-impacting experience. I learned a lot about myself and about another culture and made friends along the way. 2015 was a particularly crazy travel year for me. I went to Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival (everyone has to experience it!), then stayed in the UAE for a month, worked in Thailand as an English Teacher for half the year, traveled to Myanmar, Singapore, Cambodia, then stayed in Mexico for the remainder of 2015 until returning home to Charlotte, NC. After that, I worked as swim coach at SwimMAC and in 2019 moved to LA to be a swim coach and then promoted to Head Coach at Swim Torrance. In 2024 decided to pursue my Masters in Library Science and moved back to Charlotte. I plan to graduate in 2026 and move back to LA. I still travel a good bit, it’s the best form of learning and adventure!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I loved getting bagels at Einstein’s Bagels in the Student Union after AM practice. I went so regularly I befriended one worker, an older lady. She was so sweet and conversational and genuinely cared about my swimming and the team. I’d often go with other teammates before we all had to depart for our classes each day.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
La-dee-da! Loved cheering at the top of my lungs with the whole team.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Swimming will always be a part of you and therefore is the most surprisingly wonderful common bond between not just your teammates, but any other collegiate swimmer you encounter post grad. I love and am grateful for the community built from and through swimming at UNCW. The soft skills swimming gives you make you capable of handling any challenge, even when it’s no longer in the pool.
Seahawk Spotlight: Rachel Sears
Name: Rachel Sears
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2014
Events: 50 free, 100 free, 100 fly
Degree: business w concentration in accounting
Profession: financial advisor
Current residence: Virginia Beach
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
In general I just look back and think about how great it was to be part of a team where we all had so much fun together inside and outside of the pool. I was lucky to have one of the best “big buddy’s” assigned to me, we’ve helped each other through a lot of life post-swimming and still talk regularly. I think the best single memory was when the guys won the 400 Free relay at conference my senior year. It was cool that my class was going out with Coach Allen on his last year, but even more awesome that we got to go out with a win like that.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being a college athlete helped to develop a lot of quality characteristics that help to navigate the real world as an adult. Through many things in life, both personally & professionally, it’s important to be able to work with other people, be open to feedback and always be open to new ways to learn and improve. Being conscious of time is also important, and when you grow up counting seconds by the hundredth, you’re subconsciously always aware of time!
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I worked with my father for a few years to work towards purchasing his Wealth Management firm, which I did in 2023. I also had my first daughter, Sophie, that year! So lately I have been navigating being a business owner, always looking for fun new ways to improve our firm’s services especially through the development of AI and technology. I was behind on Chat GPT until I saw a South Park episode on it and now I use it for everything under the sun, so it’s cool to now be open to that world. The other half of my life is navigating being a mother which is also different day by day awesome to see her little personality, what she’s interested in and finding new ways to help her continue to learn and grow. My last few brain cells have recently been devoted to learning different bird calls – I downloaded this Merlin Bird ID app that was developed by Cornell that can help identify all different types of bird calls. So that’s cool too because every time I go outside it’s like I’m learning to understand the communications of a whole new world.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
South end of Wrightsville beach, Hillsdale in general and Jerry Allens.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Not sure it qualifies as a slogan or cheer, but when Coach Allen would blow the conch shell.
Also, PMA (positive mental attitude) – Dan Forrester
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
One hard thing for me leaving college was realizing I no longer had someone to always tell me what to do! Up until this point you’ve always had a coach that most likely helped guide you in and out of the pool. Once you’re done college, you are your own coach for the rest of your life. In swimming, you had a basic stroke foundation that you developed throughout your life – this is your basic understanding of yourself, who you are, what makes you motivated, what your goals are, etc. In swimming, as new techniques came out or training strategies, you had to be open-minded to trying new things – the same applies in life; be open to change and new innovative ways to improve yourself in all aspects. Lastly, you set goals and you figured out what you needed to do to achieve them – do the same with life. When you want something, figure out what you need to do to get it, and use that same ambition to get it done. You’re starting out with a lot of great fundamentals, so just make sure you use them!
Seahawk Spotlight: Callie-Anne Garner Thompson
Name: Callie Anne Thompson (Garner)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2015
Events: 50 free/100 free
Degree: Exercise Science
Profession: 2nd Grade Teacher and High School Swim Coach
Current residence: Somerset, Kentucky
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Mornings in the weight room with the sprinters.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
My time as a college athlete was a total game-changer! Balancing practices, classes, and all the fun that comes with campus life taught me how to multitask like a pro. I’m no longer juggling practice, school, and social life…I’m juggling mom life, teaching, coaching, and more. It definitely got me ready for the real world!
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating from UNCW, I earned my Masters in Elementary Education and now teach 2nd grade. I also coach swimming for the local high school team. I’m happily married and have two kids, Liam who’s 5 and Blake who’s 2. In my free time, I wake up at 4:30 AM five times a week for Pilates Reformer and HIIT classes. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy working out early now!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I miss going to Wrightsville Beach for a day of sun, Britt’s Donuts on the pier, and Islands after practice!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Sea-Sea-Sea-Seahawks!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
To Current UNCW Swimmers and Divers
Hey team! As you dive into this awesome journey, remember to connect with fellow athletes and students around campus. You never know, those friendships could blossom into something special—friends who stand by you on your wedding day or even become godparents to your little ones! Cherish those moments; they create unforgettable memories.
Sure, there may be bumps along the way—injuries, tough tests, or mental blocks—but don’t let those define you. They’re just part of the ride! Focus on what you can control and let go of the little stresses. These four years are going to be some of the best of your life, so make the most of every second!
To Seniors and Recent Alumni
Hey there, future “swammers”! Transitioning from being an athlete can be tricky after dedicating so much time to perfecting your skills and identity. But don’t worry—many traits you’ve developed as an athlete will help you thrive in life beyond the pool.
Redirect that focus and motivation into something new that excites you, or consider diving into Masters swimming! Embrace this change and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!
Seahawk Spotlight: Kasey O’Shields (Richardson)
Name: Kasey O’Shields (Richardson)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2012
Events: 500, 1000, 1650 freestyle and 200 breaststroke
Degree: Exercise Science
Profession: Physician Assistant in Thoracic Surgery
Current residence: Decatur GA, but soon to be Charleston, SC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory is how excited Coach Allen got just before conference championships. I remember him saying that conference was better than Christmas- each of us were a present waiting to be unwrapped, to open up our full potential.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
My time as a student athlete helped me develop time management skills, the ability to work on and as part of a team, and how to deal with different personalities. I also have a greater understanding of what student-athletes were going through in my time as an Athletic Trainer, and better help them navigate their experiences.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After UNCW, I went to FIU and got my master’s degree in Athletic Training. I worked 2 years in college athletics and then transitioned to working in an orthopedic doctors office. After a few years I needed a change of pace and wanted to get more into medicine/surgery. I graduated from Emory University’s Physician Assistant program in 2024 and took a job in Thoracic Surgery in Charleston, SC.
I met my husband in 2019, and we got married in 2022- a true online dating success story. We love to travel, go to Disney, and spend time with our 2 dogs (sadly one passed away recently). I began playing Roller Derby in 2013 and played for about 8 years prior to the pandemic. I have recently gotten into running and ran a 10 mile race, and have plans for a half marathon later this year.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Wilmington had such a niche food scene- so many good restaurants that are local to that area: Two Guys Grille, Flaming Amy’s, Trolley Stop. It’s probably better in my memory than in reality, but I loved hanging out with friends and going for a bite to eat.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Coach Allen blowing the conch shell will always be a core memory.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
I unfortunately got injured my senior year, which cut my collegiate swimming career short. It did allow me to branch outside of the swim team and make some wonderful friends. The team is great- but don’t neglect people in your major or from other social circles, you may find some wonderful people there.
Seahawk Spotlight: Kenneth Lowe
Name: Kenneth Lowe
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2024
Events: 100 Free, 200 Free & 200 IM
Degree: Bachelors in Business Concentrating in Finance and Masters in Accountancy
Profession: Service Manager at Integrity Heating and Cooling
Current residence: Charlotte, North Carolina
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
2024 UNCW USC Dual Meet Win. Beating an SEC team and an ACC team was one our goals we set with Bobby my freshman year.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
UNCW Swim and Dive provided me with a unique college experience. I received a great education and competed for a D1 program in paradise. UNCW swim and Dive led me to my closest friends and connections that helped me find a path after school.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
Since being on the pool deck I finished my Masters degree and started work full time.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Riches inlet the best place to find a flounder.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Great day to be a Seahawk.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy every moment while you have it. You won’t be able to hang out with your teammates every day or live 7 minutes from the intercoastal water way ever again.
Seahawk Spotlight: Katie & Will Humphries
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.
Seahawk Spotlight: Ethan Bridges
Name: Ethan Bridges
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2002
Events: 100 Fly, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM
Degree: Rec Therapy, B.S., Occupational Therapy M.S.
Profession: Rehab Specialty Lead (OT)
Current residence: Atlanta, GA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
So many great memories, from the suites freshman year to hosting parties at the Cardinal house Junior and Senior years. Of course my favorite memory is winning our first ever CAA title my senior year. As a Team Captain my Jr and Sr seasons, a lot of time and effort went into recruiting and finding guys that would make our team better. Once we got the right mix of guys, we made it our mission to win the whole thing and start a new trend of winning.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I have always loved the discipline that swimming builds into your personal character. I am still an early morning riser and love to get a workout done first thing. I love to challenge myself as a husband and father in everyday situations and I feel like the culture of UNCW swim helped mold that drive.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After UNCW, I went to grad school in Northern VA to continue my schooling. My roommate at UNCW, Chris Davis, is from Atlanta and my goal was to always get back to the Atlanta area. Shortly after moving to Atlanta in 2006, I met my wife and the rest is history.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW? P.T.s Grille was the spot for food. And of course, the beach itself. I loved meeting up with other guys from the team to hang out on Sundays.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“It’s a great day to be a Seahawk” was always the mantra. In regards to cheering, we used the cowbell before each meet. Shortly before my senior season, I pitched the idea of using a cheer from Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. “What time is it? Game Time” apparently this has grown and morphed into other cheers over the years but it all started there.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For current swimmers, work as hard as you can now because you won’t get another shot at it later. Get the extra sleep, eat the clean meal and fuel your fire towards your goals. These years go by quickly. For recent graduates, allow the routine and discipline of your swimming days to advance your life in a positive way. The hard work ethic you built through difficult workouts can actually make things easier for you down the road if the same principles are applied.
Seahawk Spotlight: Kelsee Gomes
Name: Kelsee Gomes
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2006
Events: 100 and 200 Breaststroke
Degree: BA in Health Education with a minor in Chemistry (UNCW), MS in Sports and Clinical Nutrition (Florida State University)
Profession: Registered Dietitian (Sports Nutrition – New York Yankees) , CSSD (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics)
Current residence: Tampa, FL
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Watching Billy Rinehart swim straight in Lane 1 during morning practice because he stayed out until 3 AM and practice started at 5 AM – JUST KIDDING LOL
My favorite memory was when we won conference our senior year.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I love sports. I always have. i think that’s why I still work in sports. I love the competition. I love the discipline. I love the training and meticulousness of what it takes to succeed on and off the field. I love the drive. I still feel like I apply all of those things to my every day life. Being a dietitian, helps me take my two loves, food and sports, and combine them in to something I love doing every day.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have been a Sports Dietitian for 15 years now. I was the Director of Sports Nutrition at UNC- Chapel Hill for 7 years, the Director of Football Sports Nutrition for 2 years and University of Florida and have now been with the New York Yankees for 1 year. I have been married for almost 10 years and we have 3 little girls (Charlotte, Amelia and Samantha Jane) who all have birthdays in December.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn, Port City Java, 22 North
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
It’s A Great Day to be a SEAHAWK!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Enjoy the time with your teammates and coaches. 4 years goes by so fast. Take every opportunity to get better and use your resources. Whether it’s on the academic side or your performance staff (mental conditioning, athletic training, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning. I really wish I would have known some of the things I know now and how that could have translated in the pool. Go Sea Hawks!
Seahawk Spotlight: Danielle Nista (Mortensen)
Name: Danielle Nista (Mortensen)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2009
Events: 500, 1000, and 1650
Degree: Elementary Education
Profession: Currently a stay at home mom, but taught elementary school for 10 years after graduating
Current residence: Wilmington, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
-My favorite memory is from my freshman year when both the Men and Womens team won the CAA championships. I was just a freshman and everything was so new but it was an amazing end to a great first year.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
-Being a part of this program impacted my life in many ways. My whole family now calls Wilmington home. The dedication and commitment needed to compete at a collegiate level has also set me up for success in my career and now raising a family. I also made lifelong friends from being a part of this team. It was an amazing experience all around.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
-I taught 2nd and 4th grade here in Wilmington for 10 years after college. I met my husband who also attended UNCW here and now we continue to call Wilmington home while raising our 3 little boys.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
-Park Ave of course, Flaming Amys, PTs, the Beach 🙂
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
-Its a Great Day to Be a Seahawk
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
-Lean on your teammates. No matter how hard it can be, know that they are right there with you! Even though swimming is an individual sport I never would’ve had as much success as I did without my teammates. They are there through every hard practice and every lap swum, and we Distance swimmers swim a lot of them. 🙂
Seahawk Spotlight: Seth Liston
Name: Seth Liston
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of: 2007-2009 swim team
Events: 50 / 100 / 200 Free / Relays
Degree: Political Science / Accounting (Undergrad 2011, Masters 2013)
Profession: CPA; Senior Director of Finance at The V Foundation for Cancer Research
Current residence: Raleigh, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
– Too many to choose from, but, top of mind – the move-in-day experience. Having travelled 2hrs down I-40 from my hometown to the exotic land of Wilmington, being greeted so warmly and enthusiastically by my new teammates, and getting unloaded and settled into Suite P. I remember the feeling of excitement and having no clue what was in store for me!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?– The program blessed me with a strong sense of time management and an appreciation for the importance of having a clear understanding of each member’s role within a team. These blessings have helped me immensely as I’ve navigated my career and started a family.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
– I left UNCW and moved back home to Raleigh, worked in public accounting, for a major medical institution, the RDU airport, and now and proud to call The V Foundation home. My wife and I celebrated our 7th anniversary in June, Grey Liston’s 3rd birthday in July, and are looking forward to our youngest, Sam, turning 1 in September! Trying to stay in the water and stay in shape! I cannot ever again allow Billy Rineheart to embarass me at the Stoked-to-go-Out wrightsville beach pier-to-pier swim, like he did this past May…
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
– Let’s say that priorities have changed. My younger self would be excited to get down to the beach and cut the line to get into Red Dogs. Nowadays, I love hitting Palm Room when I am at the beach, for some killer live music.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
– I think, in the spirit of this question, it has got to be the iconic Conch Shell, and sounding it off before meets. So unique and special, and the look on opponents faces as stuck ice-cold terror into their veins….
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
– Enjoy the ride! Trust the process!