While contemplating her next steps following graduation, Andrea “Tink” Niebel realized a 9 to 5 job wasn’t what she wanted. Her desire to challenge herself and help others led her to apply for Officer Candidates School with the U.S. Marine Corps. She will learn in July if she is accepted for the fall 2023 term.
“After being a student-athlete the past four years at UNCW, I’ve learned a lot about myself, what I value and what drives me,” said Niebel, a supply management major and a freestyler on the UNCW women's swimming and diving team. “I need something that makes me feel accomplished. I love to be active, and I find joy in helping people, and there is no better way to do that than to serve your country. That’s why I want to pursue a life as a marine.”
She added that her father’s more than 30 years in the Marine Corps also inspired her. USMC Brigadier General Andrew Niebel is the commanding general of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Installations East.
“He is my biggest role model and I look up to him immensely,” she said. “I love his positive, ‘gung-ho’ attitude, and everything he accomplishes is inspiring to me. He is someone who I strive to be like.”
Niebel is no stranger to helping others. She served the community during the summer months as a Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Team member.
“The job is very physically demanding,” she said. “When you go out for a rescue, it’s a life-or-death situation, depending on how fast you get there. You have to be mentally tough.”
When she’s not in the ocean, Niebel is in the pool. She was a member of UNCW’s swim team all four years of college and was team captain her junior and senior years. This past year, UNCW won the CAA Conference championship for both men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams.
“It was a special moment to see all of the hard work pay off, not just that specific season, but all four years,” she said. “It was an incredible ending to my swimming career. I have never been prouder to be a Seahawk.”
Due to the transient nature of military families, Niebel and her family moved every two to three years. While she calls Emerald Isle, NC, her hometown – where she lived during her junior and senior year of high school – UNCW gave her a home, she said.
“UNCW has provided me with an abundance of opportunities. Coming to Wilmington allowed me to pursue my dreams and create an awesome life. Without UNCW, I would not have found Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue, a job and a lifestyle that changed my life. The friendships I have made along the way will be friends for life. I owe so much to this place and will forever be a Seahawk!”
This article has the following tags: Seahawk Stories