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lex Cortellessa is the Head Performance Coach at Academy Physical Therapy. He graduated cum laude from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science in Wellness and Exercise Science and received the Exercise Science Senior Award for academic and professional excellence.
A former All-State football player in high school, Alex began his coaching career in 2020 under AC Strength & Conditioning — “where the rockstars train” — and has since trained hundreds of athletes, building a strong local reputation for developing talent across all levels, from youth and high school state champions to Division I Power 5 recruits and professionals.
Alex has been mentored by some of the top minds in performance training, including Tevin Allen of Gold Feet Global, whose clientele includes NFL stars Odell Beckham Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase, and John Amore, a veteran strength coach known for training professional and Olympic-level fighters. He also learned under Dr. Michael Pepin, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, collegiate professor, and expert in Olympic weightlifting and biomechanical efficiency.
Alex completed an internship with the Brown University Football Sports Performance staff, led by Coach Brandon O’Neil, a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSCC) — the highest distinction in the field. He also interned with Dr. Nick Bruno of Academy Physical Therapy, where he focused on biomechanics, return-to-play systems, and Academy’s integrative approach to rehab and performance.
He holds certifications from ALTIS, an international leader in speed development founded by legendary coaches Dan Pfaff and Stuart McMillan, in Coaching the Short Sprints and The Need for Speed, further highlighting his passion in speed development.
Alex leads Academy Rockstar Performance, a speed and performance training system that fuses biomechanics with advanced athletic development to help athletes sprint faster, move better, and perform at the highest level.
He also serves/served as an assistant football coach for Division 1 Central High School and assistant coach for Central High school Track where his group were state champions in the 4×1 and High Jump.
Biography
Alex Cortellessa, Head Performance Coach at Academy Physical Therapy, trains athletes from youth to pro using a speed-focused, biomechanics-driven system backed by elite mentorship.
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