Tyler learned to swim at the Nu-Finmen Swim Team in Nassau County when he was four-years-old. Founded by coach Robert Trotman more than fifty years ago, Nu-Finmen has been a pioneer in bringing increased diversity and opportunity to the sport of swimming. Tyler joined the club team with his older brother, Camren, in hopes that he would become as good as he was. By the time he was nine he was qualifying for Junior Olympics and improving rapidly. Swimming played a huge role in his upbringing, introducing him to countless people from all walks of life and opening doors for myriad work opportunities, from lifeguarding on the beach to teaching in the pool. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School where he swam competitively all four years and helped his peers learn and improve their aquatic skills. His favorite part about teaching is witnessing fear turn to joy as the children in his classes become more confident and safe and full of passion for the water.