Frequently Asked Questions

Andrew Kurzawski is the Founder and Director of Gym Rat Performance Training, a hub for aspiring gymrat basketball players. A veteran college and high school coach, he has coached both men’s and women’s basketball at St. Vincent College, Carlow University, Penn State Beaver, and Point Park University. Throughout his career, Coach Kurzawski has collaborated with USA Basketball, renowned skills trainer Micah Lancaster, and countless athletes competing at various levels, including professional, Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. He currently serves as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Aquinas Academy in Pittsburgh, where he led the Crusaders to their first-ever undefeated section championship. Andrew and his wife live in Pittsburgh with their son, and he remains deeply committed to developing players and promoting gym ratz basketball in the city he calls home.

Tom Obiecunas serves as the Assistant Director of Gym Rat Performance Training and is a highly respected veteran coach in the Pittsburgh area. Coach Obiecunas previously served as Head Coach at Keystone Oaks High School and worked under legendary WPIAL Coach Rick Bell. He was also an assistant coach at Rochester High School during their three WPIAL Championship runs. His coaching experience additionally includes stops at Propel Montour, McGuffey High School, and he currently serves as an assistant coach at Aquinas Academy. Throughout his career, Coach Obiecunas has developed numerous collegiate-level players, including Corynne Hauser and Lexi Robison, as well as current professional players Kason Harrell and Kendell Jordan, among others. As one of the top guard development coaches in the city, Coach Tom is well-known in the gymrat basketball community and is available for both private and small group training sessions, catering to aspiring gym ratz basketball athletes.

Katie Hoff is a senior at Grove City College and a member of the Grove City Wolverines Women’s Basketball program, competing at the NCAA level. She is also a former WPIAL Champion at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School in Pittsburgh. Katie has been part of the Gym Rat Performance Training program for over six years, contributing her high-level experience, energy, and skill to our athletes — particularly in post development and interior play. As a passionate advocate for gymrat basketball, she works closely with youth and middle school players, focusing on building confidence, strengthening fundamentals, and helping young athletes develop the skills necessary to compete at higher levels, embodying the spirit of gym ratz basketball.

AJ Cherico is a former standout for the Baldwin High School Highlanders basketball program, where he built a reputation as a hard-working, fundamentally sound player who understood the value of team basketball. Following high school, AJ continued his athletic career at West Liberty University, competing in track and field and further developing his speed, conditioning, and competitive mindset.

He later transferred to Bethany College to pursue basketball, bringing with him a multi-sport background that enhanced his overall game and understanding of athletic development.

Today, AJ serves as the middle school boys coach for Gym Rat Performance Training. In his role, he emphasizes skill development, strong fundamentals, and true team play. AJ is passionate about teaching young players how to play the right way -  focusing on footwork, ball handling, shooting mechanics, defensive principles, and basketball IQ -  while instilling discipline and accountability that extend beyond the court.

Brady Hartman is a current football player at Washington & Jefferson College, where he is pursuing a degree in education while competing for the Presidents football program. A Second Team All-Conference defensive lineman, Hartman built his reputation on toughness, discipline, and dominating the line of scrimmage. He was also nominated for the prestigious Bill Fralic Award, presented annually to the top interior lineman in the WPIAL.

Although honored for his work on the defensive side of the ball, Brady remains on offense at the collegiate level, bringing physicality, intelligence, and leadership to the offensive line.

In addition to his football career, Hartman serves as a coach in the Gym Rat Performance Training AAU basketball program. He brings a lineman’s mentality to the hardwood - emphasizing toughness, footwork, defensive intensity, and team-first play. As an education major and natural leader, Brady is passionate about teaching fundamentals, building accountability, and helping young athletes understand that success comes from discipline, preparation, and playing for the name on the front of the jersey.

Coach Brent Darroch is the current head girls basketball coach at South Side Beaver High School. Under his leadership, the program reached a historic milestone - capturing the first section title in school history. The achievement marked a turning point for the Rams and cemented Darroch’s impact on the culture and competitiveness of the program.

Known for his emphasis on discipline, defensive intensity, and team-first basketball, Coach Darroch has built a foundation rooted in accountability and player development. His ability to connect with athletes while holding them to high standards has transformed South Side Beaver into a respected contender within the WPIAL landscape.

Coach Darroch’s commitment to developing confident, fundamentally sound players continues to shape the identity of the Rams program and inspire the next generation of student-athletes.