Hannah Hickman
Pool Manager
City of Denton
Denton, Texas - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, December 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I am set to graduate from Ouachita Baptist University with a major in communications and minors in business and recreation administration in December of 2022. I have worked for the City of Denton since May of 2017. I started as a lifeguard when I turned 16, and I have since moved through the roles of Lifeguard Instructor, Swim Coach, and Pool Manager.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am certified as a lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, and Water Safety Instructor through the American Red Cross, and I also recently completed the course to become a Certified Pool and Spa Operator from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I had the honor of receiving the Chris Stuart Emerging Leaders Scholarship from the World Waterpark Association this October and was able to attend and be recognized at the 2022 WWA Show.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have grown up around pools and as a child, I was very impacted through my participation with my local recreational swim team, the Denton Dolphins. I got my first job as a lifeguard at that same pool, and my supervisors made a really big impact in my life by investing in me and encouraging me. That was the kind of person I wanted to be. I loved working in this field and have had so much fun doing it.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Being able to love coming into work every day and be part of an awesome team! I also love learning new things (ex: through the WWA Show sessions) and how quickly the industry is growing and developing.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Monica Martin has been my supervisor in Denton for the entire time I have worked there and has been the biggest inspiration for me to pursue a career in this field because of her investment and encouragement to others, passion, and knowledge. She encouraged me when I was a 12-year-old on swim team that I could be coaching that team someday, and when I decided in college that this was the career path I wanted to pursue, she mentored me and has taught me so much about the aquatics industry.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER SO FAR?
It’s very fast-paced learning about so many different topics, which can be stressful, but I also love that part about it because you are never bored.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I try to surround myself with people who push me, inspire me, and who I can learn from. I also listen to a lot of background music to focus.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A FELLOW YOUNG LEADER WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Find a mentor and take every learning opportunity you can and help with any task that comes up. There are also so many great resources and educational opportunities and organizations you can find online now.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I read a lot of articles from WWA, NRPA, etc., and I am currently reading
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is being able to build relationships with employees and patrons. I really enjoy being able to make a positive impact in others’ lives and help them have a great experience at my aquatic facility.
WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN A FEW YEARS?
I am currently working on my senior thesis “Educational Opportunities for Aspiring Aquatics Professionals,” and I would love to do more research in the aquatics field once I complete that. I would also like to get my LGIT, WSIT, AqP, and CPRP in the next few years. Careerwise, I want to work in municipal aquatics.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I had used WWA publications as resources for several of my school papers, and I had always heard my supervisors talk about WWA as a lead- ing industry organization. I found the scholarship to attend the Symposium and Tradeshow on the WWA website, applied during the summer, and was so excited to be selected and be able to attend the 2022 WWA Show in October.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am really good at making soft serve ice cream swirls. •