Joel Abreu - Level 3 ASCA Certified Coach (American Swimming Coaches Association)   
Joel's journey in swimming began as a high school swimmer at Bushwick High School in Brooklyn, NY. His early connection to the water only deepened during his seven-season tenure as a beach lifeguard at Coney Island. From 1996 to 1999, Joel honed his competitive edge with the NYC Marlins under the United States Swimming (USS) umbrella, where he was a key member of the national team from 1997 to 1999.

In 1999, Joel transitioned from athlete to mentor, launching a coaching career that would see him leading Masters and high school swim teams across New York City. His dedication to swimming was paralleled by academic achievements, earning a bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in psychology from Baruch College (CUNY). While at Baruch, Joel left a lasting mark as a founding member of the college's swim team, a legacy he continues to honor through his involvement on the board of the Baruch Young Alumni Network (BYAN).

Beyond the pool, Joel's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Total Management NYC, a thriving property management firm specializing in residential co-op and condominium management.

As the founder of Bearcat Masters, Joel has created a dynamic program that brings together swimmers of all levels, fostering a community rooted in passion for the sport and continuous improvement.
 

Shawn Ambrose -  Founder Level 2 ASCA Certified Coach
Shawn swam for Xavier High School in New York, NY and still holds the school record in the 100yd breaststroke.  He swam USS for Asphalt Green from 1993-1995 and NYC Marlins from 1995-1998.  He was the 1997 YWCA National Champion in the 200 breaststroke. 

Shawn graduated from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY where he swam for four years and broke eight school records throughout his career and is a current USMS National Record Holder.  He recently graduated from Fordham University with an MBA in Finance and Marketing.  

Nicholas is an accomplished and passionate swim coach with over 15 years of experience leading Masters practices. Despite starting swim lessons in his mid-30s, Nicholas quickly became immersed in the world of swimming, evolving from novice to open-water and marathon swimmer in a short time. His journey fuels his coaching approach, making him relatable and motivational for swimmers of all levels.

In addition to his role coaching Bearcat Masters, Nicholas has extensive coaching experience with other prominent programs, including the Asphalt Green Swim League and TNYA Masters. He is also a dedicated open-water swimming coach for CIBBOWS, guiding swimmers in NYC's waters.

Nicholas is an accomplished and passionate swim coach with over 15 years of experience leading Masters practices. Despite starting swim lessons in his mid-30s, Nicholas quickly became immersed in the world of swimming, evolving from novice to open-water and marathon swimmer in a short time. His journey fuels his coaching approach, making him relatable and motivational for swimmers of all levels.

In addition to his role coaching Bearcat Masters, Nicholas has extensive coaching experience with other prominent programs, including the Asphalt Green Swim League and TNYA Masters. He is also a dedicated open-water swimming coach for CIBBOWS, guiding swimmers in NYC's waters.

Nicholas is committed to both his athletes' success and his own swimming journey. Before most people start their day, he can be found swimming a mile with his wife at the Battery Park City campus. His unique background and infectious enthusiasm inspire Bearcat Masters swimmers to push their limits and enjoy the water.

Igor Shoukhardin - Level 4 International ASCA Certified Coach (American Swimming Coaches Association)
Igor Shoukhardin, Ph.D. - Level 4 International ASCA Certified Coach (American Swimming Coaches Association) Igor swam for the former USSR National Team from 1963 to 1966. Right after finishing his own competitive swimming and accomplishing Post-Graduate School of World’s oldest State Physical Education Institute n.a. P.F. Lesgaft (former Leningrad) in 1970, he started his coaching career.

He has coached swimmers who have won 11 Olympic medals from Montreal-76, Moscow-80, and Barcelona-92. On top of that, many medals were grabbed from World and European Championships and University games as well as numerous USMS and USA national records. In 1992 Igor was given the title of Honored Coach of the Russian Federation and continues coaching in New York. 

Igor lives in Brooklyn, has daughter - Anastassia, grad of Baruch College and son -Ivan, student of Stony Brook.