Charlie Rommel – FINS Head Coach

Coach Charlie embarked on his competitive swimming career later than most, when he joined his high school team in Buffalo, NY as a freshman. With little formal training prior to joining the team, Coach Charlie leaned on his coaches and more experienced teammates for guidance, advice, and motivation. 

By his junior year of high school Coach Charlie was a New York State and Western New York record holder, with multiple offers to swim for Division 1 NCAA programs around the country. Coach Charlie selected the University of Virginia as his home for the following four years, and proceeded to claim a UVA school record, an ACC Championship, NCAA All-American status, and a US Olympic Trial berth. 

Coach Charlie credits his coaches, teammates, and supporting staff for each of his successes, through their ability  to foster an environment that incubated competitiveness. Each of these experiences has led Coach Charlie to firmly believe that at any age the appropriate coach and conditions created by a program can translate to life-long success for any athlete at any age. Coach Charlie now uses his love of the sport to mentor young athletes through the FINS program to foster a love for self-improvement both in and out of the water.