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.
This week's installment looks at UNCW Head Men's Soccer Coach
Aidan Heaney, who is in his 20th season as the Seahawks' bench boss. Heaney has guided the Seahawks to four Colonial Athletic Association regular season titles, the 2009 CAA Tournament crown and four NCAA Tournament berths.
What do you remember about your first day working at UNCW?
Walking into my "old" new office to find a string bag of heavily used soccer balls, an empty filing cabinet and a dust-covered desk.
What is one of your favorite memories of working at UNCW?
There have been a lot of great memories, so it's tough to pick just one. Beating the No. 1 ranked team in the country, UNCG, at home was a fantastic result and such an exciting game. Winning our first CAA Championship in 2009 and getting to the second round of the NCAA Tournament was a pivotal step for our program.
What does working at UNCW mean to you?
It's special. I have worked at UNCW for a major portion of my life. I am proud to lead the men's soccer program at this wonderful university and I want our players to represent it with class in everything they do – on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
If you were an athlete, what jersey number would you want to wear and why?
#1 – I was a goalkeeper, so that was the number I always wore.
Did you play sports in college? If so, what sport and where did you play?
I played at Charlotte from 1988-91. There were a lot of similarities between the experience I had there and the one at UNCW. The team went from mid-tier to a ranking of No. 3 in the nation at the end of our senior year and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The journey here at UNCW has been similar.
Quick Hits
Favorite Food: Indian
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Fast Food: Chipotle
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite Actor/Actress: Tom Hanks/Meryl Streep
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Favorite Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Favorite Midnight Snack: Cereal
What is One Thing People Don't Know About You?: I lived in Africa for four years of my childhood
