Four men standing in a sports field, two wearing shirts that say 'Philly Waterdogs', one in a dark shirt and hat, the other in a cap, engaged in conversation while one of them writes on a clipboard.

Who we are

TRP Lacrosse was founded on the principles of "Technique, Repetition, and Pace" - a training philosophy developed during Coach Curtis Smith's All-American career at Ohio State University. Our core coaching team brings together Curtis's professional playing experience as a former NLL pro, Desi Gonzalez's championship-winning tactical expertise, and Avery Amaya's diverse coaching and leadership background.

This foundation is enhanced through collaborations with elite specialists including defensive expert Chad Rafferty (Unionville HS, Loyola/Maryland), record-breaking FOGOs Mike Sisselberger (PLL, NLL, Lehigh) and Steve Dellemonache (RMU, NLL Wings), and lacrosse legend Lyle Thompson for select camps and clinics. Together, we deliver comprehensive position-specific training that consistently develops standout players who succeed at the highest levels of the game.

Our Core Team

Curtis Smith

Co-founder and Offensive Specialist

A British Columbia native who honed his game with the Victoria Shamrocks before becoming an All-American attackman at Ohio State — the 7th Buckeye in program history to score 100 career goals and the program's #9 all-time scorer. Selected first overall by the Colorado Mammoth in the NLL Draft, he brings elite Canadian box technique and pro-level offensive IQ to every session. Leads player development at Westtown School, Fusion LC, and Ascent Nationals.
Instagram: @smithtrplax
Avery Amaya

Co-founder and Goalie Specialist

Built TRP from the ground up. Coaches for the Westtown School girls lacrosse team, Jr. Waterdogs Player Performance Pathway, Rose Tree Optimist Lacrosse, and guest coaches with various clubs and programs. A former collegiate wrestler and club lacrosse player from Colorado, he also holds an MBA from Drexel.
Instagram: @trp_lacrosse
Desi Gonzalez

Partner and Offensive Specialist

2x PhillyLacrosse Coach of the Year, led the Westtown School to its first league and state titles and is the only PA club coach to win back-to-back NLF Championships (with Futures LC). Played pro in the MLL and NLA, captained Puerto Rico's national team, and is a three-time college national champion. Currently leads offensive development at William Penn Charter High School.
Instagram: @coachdesi23
Christian Wright

Defensive Specialist
Four-year starting defenseman at Alvernia, a three-time All-MAC Commonwealth honoree and the first player in program history to top 100 career caused turnovers. Now an Assistant Coach with Philadelphia Freedom LC and Jr. Waterdogs Player Performance Pathway.
Jovan Estrada

Defensive Specialist + Speed & Agility Coach
Coaching since 2009 across youth, high school, and college, including stints at Dover High and The Tatnall School, plus a current role with Delaware State's women's team. Played collegiately at Greensboro College.
Khalil Lindsay

Offensive Specialist
A Philadelphia native who played collegiately at Delaware Valley University, Khalil earned MVP honors in ULAX's Philadelphia division and was drafted to play professionally in the NLA.