Seahawk Spotlight: Emily Brown
Name: Emily Brown (formerly Schwartz)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2014
Events: 200Fr, 500 Fr, 1650 Fr
Degree: BS Marine Biology and Chemistry UNCW; PhD Biology Georgia Tech
Profession: Postdoctoral research in Marine ecology
Current residence: Charleston, SC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
The entire conference meet my senior year… the year that wasn’t supposed to happen. I remember Coach Allen starting the meet by saying “Remember last May? We weren’t supposed to be here. Let’s show them why we are.” Almost getting cut in the spring made the meet that much more special and provided even more motivation. Then watching the men’s team bring home their 13th straight championship. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
It taught me how to be a part of team and Coach Allen really showed me how to build a strong team. As I begin to take on a leadership role in labs I often reflect on how Coach managed to find ways to motivate all of us swimmers and get us to all work together even though we had a wide array of personalities. If I can lead a lab the same way Coach led us as a team then I will consider myself successful. Also, winter training and the push to save the team in 2013 showed me that I have way more grit than I give myself credit sometimes. So whenever I feel like I am struggling in a workout, work, or life I can look back at my time on the UNCW Swim and Dive team and know that I am capable of getting through whatever life throws at me.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I got married to my college boyfriend David Brown. I also went on to get my PhD in Biology with a minor in Marine Chemical Ecology at Georgia Tech. Currently I am splitting my time between my home in Charleston, SC with my husband and dog (Rhea) and finishing up a postdoctoral researcher position in Fort Myers, FL at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
I was a bit of a nerd so the Center For Marine Science, the Catholic center, and the beaches (Kure beach for a quiet day or Wrightsville Beach when I was feeling more social)
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Sea, Sea, Sea, Seahawks!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
We have a huge alumni network in many different careers so don’t be afraid to reach out and utilize it. Also, it’s ok to take a bit of a break when you finish your swimming/diving career but then find some way to be active. After all the years of competitive swimming/diving training we become creatures of habit and keeping active is something your body and mental health will thank you for.
24 Hours of Giving Day Challenge
24 Hours of Giving Day Challenge starts tomorrow Tuesday at 12pm until Wednesday at 12pm. How can you help our program the most?
1. We are going to split our focus. We kindly ask you to support our program through 2 different funds.
• Support Fund: this is the fund that can help S&D most! Funds would be available immediately to the program as soon as the donations are in.
• Scholarships Fund: this fund helps the athletic department to pay for our current scholarships.
2. SUPPORT FUND. This is the most important fund for the development of our program. This is the fund that we can grow together and help us increase our yearly operational budget. We are shooting for the most dollar amount for this fund. Please use this link for Support fund (make sure you choose the support fund): https://uncwsports.evenue.net/www/ev_uncw-athletics/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=SWIM&siteId=ev_uncw-athletics&locale=en_US&linkID=uncw-athletics (https://uncwsports.evenue.net/www/ev_uncw-athletics/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=SWIM&siteId=ev_uncw-athletics&locale=en_US&linkID=uncw-athletics)
3. We are shooting for the greatest NUMBER of donors to the Scholarship Fund (not dollar amount). The number of donors to this fund will be counted towards the giving
day competition. Please use this specific link:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/33576/donations/new?designation=swimanddivescholarship&a=6545092 (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/33576/donations/new?designation=swimanddivescholarship&a=6545092)
Seahawk Spotlight: Rebekah Asselin (Teague)
Name: Bekah (Teague) Asselin
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of: 2006
Events: 50 Free, 100 Back, 100 Fly, 100 Free
Degree: BA in Communication Studies
Profession: Marketing Consultant in Healthcare
Current residence: Leesburg, VA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
It’s the easy answer, but it’s the truest one: winning CAA’s senior year, along with the men’s team, and Coach Allen getting coach of the year for both teams! I was on the team during the early to middle years of the men’s team dominating the conference – and it was exciting, but it was tough. We (the women) were working just as hard, just as many hours each week, and we craved an opportunity to be on top. 2006 was a dream come true- it all fell into place, session after session. As a sprinter, I got to be a part of relays pretty often, and it was always my favorite way to race. I’ll never forget leading off the 400 free relay in that final session, knowing we were likely to win the race, but knowing we were for sure going to take the title for the meet. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my collegiate career. Both teams crowding around the podium- with a championship trophy for each of us- and jumping into the pool together was the cherry on top!
Least favorite memory? 3,000 for time, 3 mile run, 3,000 for time. Not what I was made for.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I don’t think you realize the physical and mental toughness you develop as a collegiate athlete, especially as a swimmer, while it’s happening. But when you get the chance to look back, you realize all the ways it’s formed you into the person you’ve become. There are things I learned that have served me well- commitment, dedication, time management, resiliency- but the relationships I built have influenced my life the most.
Living together can make anyone close, but showing up every day – committed to the same goal and pushing your body as hard as you can to reach that goal- that can bring you closer than a lot of people will ever experience.
I met my best friend, Whitney Woods on my recruiting trip my senior year, when I was only 16. We both committed to UNCW and lived in the same suite our freshman year- then we chose to be roommates off campus for the next 3 years and eventually she stood next to me on my wedding day. Every fall we text each other to say “Happy Anniversary” for the time we met, and 2023 will be 22 years! (now I feel quite old). All of that to say- being a part of this team gave me a family. A home away from home. Whitney may be my true OG, but there a lot of us who still stay in touch- we text regularly and try to get together when we can. We’ve been through marriages and divorces, we’ve lost parents and siblings and teammates, some have even battled cancer- but we all know there’s a group of girls to reach out to, who care, and who have been there through the thick of it all.
Without UNCW Swimming & Diving, those relationships wouldn’t exist.
I will always be thankful for Coach Allen, for bringing this team into my life- all the people that spanned my 4 years. It’s a pretty incredible thing to be a part of.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I married a guy from UNCW who played soccer, and we managed to stay in Wilmington for several years. Looking for something to fill the void left by swimming, I slowly took up running and started doing triathlons. We moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and lived there for 8 years where I started working in healthcare marketing, and I’m still with that company. God has given us 3 amazing little girls, and now we live near where I grew up in Northern Virginia. Last summer, my 5 & 7 year olds completed their first summer league swim season together, and its really wild to be on the other end of it now. I only hope they love it as much as I did!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
We lived at the beach our senior year, so I’ve got to say the beach bars. But also, Flaming Amy’s. Two words: pineapple salsa.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
I know everyone loves when the guys do “Game Time”, and we’ll always have fond memories of Coach Allen dancing to Sweet Caroline, but I think there was something really cool about saying the Lord’s Prayer together, especially at conferences. Its quiet, and everyone’s huddled together. Coach is reading through the meet sheet, telling us how many swimmers each team has in the prelim and final heats- and what we have to do to pull ahead or lock in a win. Its like the anticipation builds and you’re getting focused and hyped- and then everyone quietly, in low voices, says the Lord’s Prayer. The calm before the storm- then he just unleashes us to go get the job done.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Find something you love to do- a new sport, or maybe return to an old one that you gave up a long time ago. You’d be surprised how many things are out there that can give you that “team” feeling. And never forget that it’s a great day to be a Seahawk!
Seahawk Spotlight: Rob Anderson
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.
Seahawk Spotlight: Anna Tommerdahl
Name: Anna Tommerdahl
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2010
Events: 500, 1000, 1650 free
Degree: BS Marine Biology, BA Math, MS Marine Biology (College of Charleston)
Profession: farmer
Current residence: Semora, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Being part of the team and showing up to practice every day to work hard and feel like I accomplished something. College was rough, to be honest; at the beginning of my freshman year, I herniated a disc and it turned into CRPS/chronic nerve pain down my whole leg that I’m still dealing with today. Being able to continue swimming and have the support of coaches and teammates really did keep me going–not just in swimming, but in life in general. I especially loved ocean swim/run/swims and a good challenge set in the pool–Coach’s ‘Roses and Weeds’ set was one of my favorites.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I learned to be more resilient to failure. With a chronic injury causing my body to continually fail me, it was frustrating to get slower while watching my peers improve and reach their goals. It felt like my hard work never paid off, but I’ve realized since then that it did, just not in the way I wanted at the time. I learned to do things not for the glory or even the pride of accomplishment, but for the simple love and enjoyment of it. I swam to appreciate the journey and not just the endpoint. It taught me to not fear the possibility of failure; there’s no reason to avoid situations just because success seems unlikely. I learned that things can always get worse, so I try to focus on the silver linings. Failing also taught me to cherish success when it does come and to really appreciate the things that I am able to do. It’s easy to stay motivated after success, but learning to persevere through failure has been way more impactful to my life. Starting a business and growing food has brought a lot of failures and having the practice of not giving up has been instrumental in getting through them.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating, I moved to Charleston, SC and got my masters in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston. During that time, I also worked as a swim coach for the local club team (Southern Marlins Racing Team) and was a regular at masters practice every morning. After graduating, I moved back to NC and started a farm business with my brother on family land. My brother raises animals (chickens, turkeys, pigs, and cows), and I do the vegetable production. I grow about an acre of mixed veggies year-round and run a weekly farm stand in Chapel Hill. We have an overarching goal of using ecological/regenerative techniques to produce food in a way that improves the land instead of degrading it as conventional agriculture does. My time spent in the marine biology world taught me that our oceans are sick and agriculture plays a significant role in that. There’s not much to do about it once pollutants reach the ocean, but literally moving upstream from the problem has allowed me to use my degree in an unconventional way and I can attempt to make customers aware that there are downstream effects of their food choices.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
The pool, Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, Dobo Hall, Flaming Amy’s, Boombalati’s
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
The conch shell!
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Be appreciative of what you have! Despite my pain and many failures in swimming, I never considered quitting because I still loved it and knew it was a privilege to be on the team. I vividly remember the head Athletic Trainer at the time telling me, “You need to seriously consider what your priorities are and if it’s worth it to you to keep swimming,” about a month into my injury freshman year. While it was a totally inappropriate thing to say at the time for numerous reasons (there’s more to that story…), it helped me realize how much I valued my spot on the team, and I don’t regret my decision at all to keep swimming. Whether you’re aiming to be a CAA champ, or you’re working to earn a spot on the travel team, make sure you appreciate the fact that you have the opportunity to be there and take advantage of it!
Seahawk Spotlight: Tricia VanGraafeiland
Name: Tricia VanGraafeiland
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1996
Events: Diving
Degree: B.S. in Biology and then went on to complete my Doctorate in Pharmacy
Profession: Pharmacist
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
The closeness we all shared as a team is a memory in it self, but my favorite memory was the time we would spend on the beach, just taking in the sun and ocean waves together. You can always come back to the Ocean to clear your mind.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I married a UNCW swimmer and we have 2 incredible children. Our daughter is 17 and is named after the ocean..”Oceana.” Our son is 13 and is named after water as well..”Laiken.” We have 3 Golden Retrievers, all named after water: Harbour, Waverly, and Coastal. As you can tell, UNCW Swimming and Diving shaped who I am today. It was the best experience of my life. I learned so many life lessons that I still use today.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I have been a pharmacist, for over 22 years.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
In terms of my favorite cheer, it would have been the loud, banging, cow bell and chant at the beginning of each meet.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For future alumni, You probably don’t realize how special you are and what you have gained, from your experiences and time spent as a UNCW Swimmer or Diver. These experiences will stay with you and help you succeed in so many parts of your life. You are far ahead of the average college graduate.
Seahawk Spotlight: Amanda Russell
Name: Amanda Russell (Formerly Amanda Didawick)
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2017
Events: Conference events were 100 fly, 200 fly, 50 free
Degree: Exercise Science
Profession: Physical therapist (Currently practicing as a pediatric PT)
Current residence: Fuquay Varina, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
Senior year – Patriot Invitational at George Mason University. It came down to the last relay, UNCW vs Drexel, at finals on Saturday evening. The girls team pulled it out and we won the meet by only 9 points! It was so awesome… The energy/excitement was a memory I’ll never forget – From the parents and alumni in the stands, to everyone on deck. It was a great day to be Seahawk!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
I have made lifelong friends, which I now consider my family!! Four of my former teammates were in my wedding. And of course, swimming as a whole and being a college athlete has influenced my life in so many ways, but it has molded me to remain determined, humble, and resilient throughout each success and failure in my life.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I spent three years getting my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. This is where my husband and I met, and we got married May 28th, 2022!
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Access 35 at Wrightsville Beach, Trask building (for swim practice and classes!), and Dubs for breakfast after morning practice J
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
SaveD UNCW Swim and Dive – People wrote a ‘D’ in marker on the “Save UNCW Swim and Dive” shirts. Right before my freshman year, we were at risk of being cut as a program and the community, alumni, and current Swim and Dive family came together as one and fought to keep our program alive.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Always have a good attitude and make your setbacks your comebacks. Hold yourself accountable and rise above the low points, because that is what makes a good athlete, teammate, and individual. And don’t forget to cherish every moment on and off the deck… It flies by!
Seahawk Spotlight: Gershon Alaluf
Name: Gershon Alaluf
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of ’95
Events: backstroke, mid-distance freestyle
Degree: BS Chemistry, Minor in Math and Spanish
Profession: Veterinarian and Vacation Rental Consultant
Current residence: Newport Beach, CA
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
The team, the travel, being able to say you went through it all with a group of people that have had such a huge impact on your life, the education, and the social life for sure!!!
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
It changed my life. I would not be where I am today without Coach Dave Allen and the UNCW Swim Team. It is one of the crucibles that still shape me to this day.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
I got my BS and DVM at the University of Illinois. I got married to my wonderful wife. I have 3 amazing daughters that are D1 athletes. I own 2 veterinary practices, one in Laguna Beach and one in Huntington Beach. I also own/run vacation rental properties in SoCal, AZ, and Mexico. I am currently completing my MBA at Pepperdine University.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Reds, Red Dogs, the beach, CLEARBROOK DRIVE, Perkins Saturday mornings after AM practice, PTs whenever we could
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
“Here’s to ECU…………………”
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For those that have just finished, it is time for you to instil your legacy in the program. What are you going to do to make sure the UNCW swimming and diving team is strong and healthy for years to come? For those that are there right now, LIVE IT UP!!!! Undergrad is the greatest 4,5, or for some 6 years of your life. You are at a school that may be on the smaller side but has amazing stories that can be shared with many generations. Make sure you reach out to the Alumni when you can. We have been through it, lived it, and came out ahead. If you look at the UNCW S&D Alumni, we are the most successful group of scholar-athletes that has ever set foot on campus. The future is limitless but please make sure you do not do stuff that will limit you. Work hard, train hard, study hard, learn your social game and continue that success in and out of the pool.
Seahawk Spotlight: Mike Bitzenhofer
Name: Mike Bitzenhofer
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of ‘87
Events: 200 Fly and Fly on the Medley Relay
Degree: Commercial Recreation
Profession: Registered Nurse
Current residence: Wake Forest, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
I have too many happy memories to count. Of course, I have many fond memories of Coach Allen. I do have one question, how could such an unbelievably nice human being inflict such pain on us poor swimmers day after day in the pool and smile the whole time he was doing it? Coach loved being Coach, he loved UNCW, and he genuinely loved us, we could feel it.
Strangely, I have no recollection of those painful workouts. I do remember all the fun that we had together as a team. A meal in the cafeteria after practice usually turned into a party. Somehow after swimming for two and a half we still had enough energy to be a little on the loud side.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
UNCW Swimming gave me the greatest gift possible, lifelong friends. Swimming also gave me a strong work ethic and the knowledge that all is possible if you put in the effort.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating from UNCW I really didn’t have life figured out yet. After a couple of unsatisfying work experiences I went back to school to pursue a Nursing degree. I learned how to be a good student while at UNCW. That, combined with the mental toughness from swimming, enabled me to work gruelling back to back 16 hours shifts as a Nursing assistant while I put myself through Nursing school. I have now been a Pediatric Nurse for 25 years.
For the last 19 years I have had the toughest job of my life……that of a parent!
In 2012 I fell in love with swimming all over again. The pool is a peaceful place where you can let your mind wander and work on life’s problems. As it turns out, competing again is very exhilarating. Swimming fast feels good…..until you are not swimming fast anymore, then it just kinda hurts.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
The Patio comes to mind first, although I think that we had the most fun in our own dorm, Hewlett Hall.
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
More than any cheer I remember the pre meet prayer the most. At home meets we would gather in the equipment room and form a circle around Coach and put one hand in the middle while coach said the prayer. I had a superstition at the time that if I was touching Coach’s hand during the prayer I would have a good meet, like he would impart some kind of superpower on me. It worked enough times that I always made sure I was close to Coach when the praying started. After the prayer we would burst out of the equipment room with a roar of enthusiasm.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
There are some people that have life figured out at an early age, they know exactly what they want to do. If you are not one of those people it is OK, there is no big rush to get anywhere by a certain time. As you do progress through life, juggling a career and/or raising a family, remember to take time to take care of yourself. Nobody else can do it for you.
If you are a current swimmer and you are contemplating shaving your head for conference championships, don’t do it (especially if you are a girl). The truth is that we just don’t know how much time we have with our hair. You should cherish this time, splurge on some decent shampoo and conditioner. Someday you may wake up to find that it is gone and it will be too late (sniff sniff).
Seahawk Spotlight: Kenny Mannon
Q&A:
Name: Kenny Mannon
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 2011
Events: 100 & 200 breaststroke
Degree: bachelors of science in biology, minor in forensic science
Profession: law enforcement
Current residence: Huntersville, NC
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory is one of personal achievement. As a walk on, my first few weeks of swimming were one of uncertainty. We were in a practice, where there was a final butterfly set. Coach came over to me and said “Kenny, if you can make all this doing breaststroke, you’ll have a spot”. Needless to say, I gave it all I had, and then some. I’ll never forget Coach coming over to me, shaking my hand, and saying “welcome to the team”.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
Being part of this team has shown me that I am capable of things I never expected – if I put my mind to it, and work hard. It instilled in me a mental toughness that has served me well. It also showed that it’s okay to lean on your teammates, because sometimes they have to lean on you too. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal.
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After graduating, I was unsure of what direction I wanted my life to take, so I moved home and worked as a swim coach for a new team for a year. This ultimately wasn’t fulfilling for me, and I decided to take a risk, and pursue my interest in law enforcement. After graduating from the police academy, I tried to make my way back to Wilmington, but wound up in Morehead City for 9 years. Wasn’t quite Wilmington, but at least it was on the coast. Recently, I moved back to where I grew up, and have continued my law enforcement career.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
As a guy who always thought with his stomach, Flaming Amy’s was the spot for me. Every time I’m in town, I go at least once. It’s hard to forget Wagner Hall, especially with it being so close to the suites. Trolley Stop, P.T.s, Flaming Amy’s Bowl, and Tazy’s were also regular spots for me too
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
Has to be when Coach would blow in the conch shell and the whole team would throw up a W
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
Be proud of the school, and team, when sending out applications or interest letters. Speaking from personal experience, it helped me get my first job. I mentioned that I was a swimmer, and graduate from UNCW, and the chief at the time responded with she was also an athlete, and graduate from UNCW. That connection got my foot in the door and made me stand out from other applicants.