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

  • Avery Amaya

    PARTNER and Goalie Specialist

    Avery Amaya played collegiate club lacrosse at CU Boulder and Northern Colorado before earning his MBA from Drexel University. As TRP Lacrosse co-founder, he combines athletic experience with organizational expertise to enhance training environments. His diverse coaching background (rec, club, and Westtown School girls assistant) enables effective connection with players of all abilities. Avery excels at developing both technical skills and player confidence through individualized instruction.

    Instagram: @trp_lacrosse

  • Curtis Smith

    PARTNER and Offensive Specialist

    Curtis Smith is an All-American attackman and Ohio State's #9 all-time goal-scorer who developed TRP Lacrosse's foundational "Technique, Repetition, Pace" philosophy. Selected by the Colorado Mammoth as their first overall pick in the NLL draft, he brings professional-level offensive expertise and unique Canadian technique to his coaching. Curtis currently leads player development at Westtown School, Fusion LC, Ascent Nationals, and Penn Lax All-Stars. His comprehensive game understanding consistently produces college-ready athletes with elevated offensive skills and lacrosse IQ.

    Instagram: @smithtrplax

  • Desi Gonzalez

    PARTNER and Offensive Specialist

    Coach Desi stands as a dominant force in lacrosse, renowned for his exceptional coaching acumen. He recently clinched the 2024 Phillylacrosse.com Coach of the Year award, a testament to his transformative leadership at Westtown School, where he orchestrated their best season to date, securing their inaugural Friends Schools League championship and PA Independent State Championship. His track record boasts similar successes, having steered Southern Lehigh and Emmaus High Schools to coveted District titles. Currently, he commands Fusion Futures, the best 2029 team in the nation, and leads strong teams at Nationals LC and Fusion LC. Before his coaching reign, Gonzalez carved out an impressive playing career, contributing to a national championship victory at Onondaga Community College and showcasing his talent at Limestone University. He further solidified his reputation with professional stints in the MLL and NLA, and proudly captained Puerto Rico's national field and box lacrosse teams.

    Instagram: @coachdesi23

  • Steve Dellemonache

    COACH

    Steve Dellemonache is a highly skilled face-off specialist (FOGO) with experience at Robert Morris University and the professional National Lacrosse League's Philadelphia Wings. Known for his proficiency in face-offs and ground ball control, he brings specialized expertise to TRP Lacrosse, teaching advanced techniques in body positioning, hand speed, and exit strategies. His professional-level knowledge is invaluable for developing face-off success at all competitive levels.

    Instagram: @_stevedelle

  • Chad Rafferty

    DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST - COACH

    Chad Rafferty - TRP Defensive Specialist

    Chad Rafferty brings elite defensive expertise to TRP Lacrosse Academy, combining high-level playing experience with proven coaching success. As an assistant coach at Unionville High School since 2018, Chad helped build the program into a state contender, leading the Longhorns to their first-ever state tournament appearance and District 1 Final Four in 2022.

    Chad's playing credentials showcase his defensive mastery at every level. At Malvern Preparatory School, he was a First Team All-Inter-Ac League defender and team captain, anchoring a defense that held opponents to just 5.5 goals per game. His exceptional high school performance earned him recognition as the #18 freshman defender in the nation when recruited to the University of Maryland. Chad later transferred to Loyola University Maryland, where he earned Patriot League Academic Honor Roll recognition while competing in one of college lacrosse's most competitive conferences.

    Now serving as TRP's Defensive Specialist, Chad brings a comprehensive understanding of modern defensive systems and the leadership qualities essential for elite defensive play. His experience competing against and coaching top-tier offensive talent provides invaluable insights for advanced players looking to elevate their defensive game.

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