Browning Retires

For 37 years, Joe Browning has been a staple of UNCW Athletics. He left Trask Coliseum for the last time as the senior associate athletic director in September.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to build relationships with several second- and third-generation student-athletes in my long tenure,” said Browning.

He hopes his legacy will be one of dedication, hard work, selflessness and servant leadership.

“I’ve always strived to get the job done, regardless of the time or resources required,” Browning said.

JOE BROWNING SEAHAWK STATS

37 YEARS

7 CHANCELLORS

7 ATHLETIC DIRECTORS

107 HEAD COACHES

13,000 STUDENT-ATHLETES

100S OF STUDENT INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS

The Browning family’s support of UNCW has been unwavering. Browning and his wife, Mary, both members of the Clocktower Society and UNCW Society, spent most of their careers at UNCW. Their children, Hayley ’15 and Ivan ’20, ’23M, grew up attending games and events on campus and pursued their education at UNCW. Hayley earned her degree from the Watson College of Education. Ivan completed his bachelor's degree in marine biology and will graduate with his master’s in chemistry in December.

“It was fortuitous that I built a career working with students on this level,” he said. “I have gained an even greater appreciation for higher education and its value after working in a university setting for many years.”

Browning will be inducted into the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame in May 2024. – VJ

Seahawk Champions Setting Records

The Seahawks finished the 2022-23 season with a school-record five Coastal Athletic Association championships–baseball, men’s golf, men's tennis, men’s swimming and diving, and women’s swimming and diving. It was the ninth CAA title for the men’s tennis team in 13 years and the second time in UNCW’s history that both swimming and diving teams captured the CAA title in the same year.

“What an amazing achievement by our programs,” said UNCW Athletics Director Michael Oblinger. “The fact that our coaches, student-athletes and staff had this success is a testament to their dedication to the programs both on the field and in the classroom and community.”

As Oblinger looks to the future, he hopes the athletic programs continue to work toward their full potential.

“Success takes many forms, but in the end, it’s about the experience and wellbeing of the student-athletes,” he said. “We want to be additive to their holistic growth as people and community leaders.”

UNCW Athletics appreciates the support from its fans, supporters, alumni, administrators and community, Oblinger added. “This community is special, and we’re fortunate to be where we are.”

Athletics has received over $21 million in private support since the start of Like No Other: The Campaign for UNCW. – VJ