WILMINGTON, North Carolina – UNCWSports.com will look at the members of the UNCW Department of Athletics staff with a weekly feature called "Seahawk Staff Spotlight." Each Tuesday, the website will profile a different member of the staff.

Our first edition in December showcases UNCW head women's soccer coach Chris Neal, who is in his third season at his alma mater. Neal, a 1995 graduate, previously served as an assistant coach for the Seahawk men's and women's soccer teams in addition to stints at Pfeiffer, Augusta State, Elon and Arkansas.

What do you remember about your first day working at UNCW? 
Pride

What is one of your favorite memories of working at UNCW?
The team dumping a cooler of Gatorade on me after my 100th win as a head women's soccer coach.  

What does working at UNCW mean to you?
It's far more than a job for me. It's a way of life, a privilege and an honor all wrapped into one.    

If you were an athlete, what jersey number would you want to wear and why?
#22 – It's in honor of Nicole Dennion, a former player of mine at Elon who died of bone cancer.

Did you play sports in college? If so, what sport and where did you play?
I was a goalkeeper, but unfortunately, a series of knee injuries during my final two years of high school forced me to hang up my competitive playing days.

Quick Hits
Favorite Food: K-38's salsa
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Fast Food: Bojangles
Favorite Movie: The Matrix, Fight Club and Caddyshack
Favorite Actor/Actress: Chevy Chase
Favorite TV Show: The Walking Dead
Favorite Book: Empire of the Summer Moon
Favorite Midnight Snack: Grapes
What is One Thing People Don't Know About You?: I love to mow grass

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