Paige Zemina swam in high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and then at the University of Florida. At Florida she won five NCAA titles and was named an All-American 12 times. She swam at the 1988 Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 4x100 free relay, and at the 1986 Goodwill Games, winning gold in both freestyle relays, and a bronze in the 100 freestyle. Zemina also competed at the 1985 Universiade on relay teams, but they were later disqualified when it was revealed she just missed the age cut-off to be eligible to compete in the meet. After marriage, Zemina-Northcutt settled in Tennessee where she trained and coached swimmers.