About us

Above the Rim Training

ATR is the elite training facility in Massachusetts. We have three full courts, a field house, a weight room, game rooms, locker rooms, etc. Our coaches, strength & conditioning specialists, and Certified Vertimax Trainers have been building top-level student-athletes for the past 20 years. Our program members come to us from all over New England, many of whom have just finished successful seasons at some of the top prep schools in the country.

Albert Ortiz

Co-founder of Above The Rim Training
Albert Ortiz, co-founder of Above The Rim Training, is a master of motivation as well as a VertiMax Certified Trainer. Albert is truly one of the best in the business when it comes to preparing student-athletes for the next level and has assisted in helping students in elementary, middle and high school achieve their individual athletic goals. Albert has also been successful in preparing those student-athletes for the rigorous demands of being a NCAA student-athlete and has mentored some of the top players in New England. Before starting Above The Rim Training, Albert spent 16 years helping kids improve themselves both on and off the court. He has received many awards from agencies for his community leadership, and was recently named Community Ambassador of the Year by Women In Action, Inc. Off the court, Albert is an accomplished DJ, spinning the hottest tracks at weddings, clubs, and formal events. You can reach Albert at albert@abovetherimtraining.net.

Eli Ramos

Skill and Development Trainer
Eli Ramos is a Skill and Development Trainer at Above The Rim Training where he is instrumental in improving the abilities of student-athletes of all ages, including many of the top players in the region. He specializes in speed and agility training, ball handling, and perimeter work. Eli is a “fan-favorite” at Above The Rim Training and possesses the ability to make a crucial connection with all of the student-athletes he works with. Eli inspires kids to set personal goals and assists them in reaching their goals every step of the way. You can expect nothing but positive results when working with Eli. Off the court, you may find Eli fishing at a local fishing hole, destroying an opponent at NBA 2K21, or helping people become a better version of themselves.

Nick Smith

Strength and Conditioning Coach
New England coaching legend Nick Smith signed a lifetime contract at Above The Rim Training, guaranteeing him a lifetime opportunity to continue to help student-athletes both on and off the court. Smith, a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, is a master of basketball fundamentals and has learned from some of the best coaches in the game. Nick brings his 25 years of coaching experience at top level programs throughout New England to Above The Rim Training. He also brings his passion, intensity, enthusiasm, and love for the game to the courts of ATR. Off the court, you will find Nick teaching the Life-Skills students of Leominster High School or teeing it up on a golf course near you.

Mike Cotter

Coach and Academic Advisor
Mike Cotter is a coach and academic advisor at Above The Rim Training, not only assisting student-athletes on the court but in the classroom as well. He also is instrumental to Fintech startups in building an audience which results in more online paying clients. Outside of ATR, Mike has taught for over 20 years in the Maynard Public School system. On the court, Mike was one of Tyngsboro High School’s most heralded basketball players of all time. Not only did he win the prestigious MIAA Sportsmanship Award but he also managed to score 1500 career points for the Tigers - a scoring record that still holds today. Professionally, Mike holds a Master’s Degree in Education as well as a Certification of Advanced Graduate Studies. Off the court, you may find Mike fishing with his four kids - Bella, Lyla, Gavin, and Madeline - who are all enrolled at ATR.

Mike Garcia

Intern
Mike Garcia, born and raised in Houston, Texas, is currently in his first year of the internship program at Above The Rim Training. Mike is a current student-athlete at Fitchburg State University and plays for the men’s basketball team while majoring in Communication Media (Film/Video Concentration). Before Fitchburg State University, Mike was a Dean’s List student and member of the basketball team at San Diego City College. Mike is an aspiring community leader and wants to coach basketball upon the completion of his college degree. Off the court, Mike loves to discover and listen to music while investing in his modeling career.