Mia Gallagher ’26

Mia Gallagher ’26 found her love for surfing along the shorelines of a seven-mile island she calls home in southern New Jersey. “It is where I learned to embrace a lifestyle driven by weather and waves,” she said. 
 
She was determined to find a college that could match her passion for both academics and surfing. A native of Ocean City, New Jersey, Gallagher sought a university that could nurture her educational aspirations while allowing her to continue her surfing career. 

“There were less than a handful of universities that met my criteria of location and academic rigor, and honestly, most of them were in California and Hawaii,” she said. “UNCW was the only school on the east coast to which I applied. The second I stepped on campus, I just felt like I belonged.”

Gallagher plans to major in business with a concentration in marketing at the Cameron School of Business. Over the years, she has cultivated a diverse skill set through roles such as brand ambassador, content creator, team rider and influencer. She hopes to one day start her own business by leveraging her experience and degree.

“UNCW has already given me so many opportunities,” Gallagher said. “Learning how to be comfortable in front of a huge lecture hall, managing complex group project work, and preparing and presenting business ideas and plans to university and community leaders are a few highlights that come to mind from my first year here.”

When she’s not in the classroom, Gallagher pursues her passion for surfing. She has been competing in the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) since she was a kid, but in more recent years has focused on the World Surf League Qualifying Series.

“Coming back to the NSSA this time as a freshman with my college team was super special,” she said.

In April, the UNCW Surf Team and Club had an impressive showing in the East Coast Regional Championship in Florida, including winning the overall title. Gallagher won the women’s shortboard. The team competed in the nationals in June in California and placed sixth out of 16 schools.

“It was a great feeling to bring home to UNCW the first-ever Women’s East Coast title, but it was a huge thrill for us to sweep every division,” said Gallagher, a competitive Ocean Rescue lifeguard.  “Surfing is such an individual sport, so this collective win was good for our souls and big for our program.”

“Traveling with the surfing team has also been a great experience and has also introduced me to friends I know I will keep for a lifetime,” said Gallagher. “I plan to take on more leadership roles during my time at UNCW and to take full advantage of all the resources that are offered here.”