About Robert Trotman

When describing a swim coach, many may use the words “motivated” or “dedicated.” In fact, many coaches are! However, one swim coach stands apart from the rest – Robert Trotman. Coach Trotman has made it his mission to help young boys and girls become champions, both as swimmers and in life.

Coach Trotman has trained children from a variety of backgrounds and neighborhoods, and in doing so, has provided opportunities for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to swim. Not only does Coach Trotman have the credentials, he also has a vested interest in building the next generation of achievers in the communities around him by creating and reinforcing a positive environment. Coach Trotman has passion, persistence and impact both inside and outside of the swimming pool.

With a swimming history and portfolio spanning well over 50 years, Coach Trotman first fell in love with swimming as a young child growing up in Harlem, NY. While on vacation one summer, Coach Trotman learned to swim.

Robert Trotman founded the Nu-Finmen Swim Team in 1964 to further his commitment to instructing children for competitive swimming. Within a short time, the team grew by leaps and bounds beyond its Brooklyn starting point. The Nu-Finmen Swim Team expanded, moving further east to Nassau County. Under Coach Trotman’s intensive training, the Nu-Finmen Swim Team has broken numerous swim records and has received recognition by the elite divisions of county, regional and national conferences and organizations. Since inception, the Nu-Finmen Swim Team has been an elite member of USA Swimming, the national governing body of swimming. Some of the team’s most decorated recognitions are:

     •     Junior Olympic Champions
     •     All-County Swimmers
     •     All-State Swimmers
     •     National Level Swimmers
     •     NCAA All American Swimmers
     •     22 Nassau County Championships 

Coach Trotman’s personal awards and recognitions are extensive as he has been recognized in numerous media publications including Ebony, Black Sport Magazine, Swimming World Magazine, The New York Times, Newsday and the New York Daily News. In addition, Coach Trotman received the 2014 USA Swimming and Diversity Inclusion Award and the Hofstra for Hempstead Award for his dedication and to the sport of swimming. Coach Trotman was also first minority coach to train age group swimmers at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO via the Outreach Program.