Mike Corona
Founder & Owner, MAX Baseball Center
Founder, MAX Academy & Dream Chasers Academy
​
About Coach Mike
Mike Corona was born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, growing up in the Baruch Houses of New York City. Life in the projects came with daily challenges that demanded resilience at a young age. Simple routines—walking to school, riding the elevator, or taking the stairs—were often reminders of how difficult and unsafe his environment could be. Yet those same experiences became the foundation that shaped his character, discipline, and perspective.
Despite the obstacles, Coach Mike was fortunate to have strong role models and access to life-changing resources within his community. He is a proud product of the Boys’ Club of New York (Milliken & Harriman Clubhouse), which served as a safe haven for youth in the Lower East Side. It was there that Mike learned how to swim, played multiple sports, and discovered the structure and mentorship that would ultimately change the direction of his life.
​
Baseball & Playing Career
Through the athletic development he received at BCNY, Coach Mike quickly emerged as a standout athlete. During the 2007–2008 season, his junior year of high school, he broke the PSAL strikeout record, recording 129 strikeouts in just 61 innings pitched. The following season, he helped lead his high school team to a New York City Championship, earning NYC High School Player of the Year honors.
For college, Mike chose to remain close to home, continuing his baseball career at two respected programs: Monroe College and St. John’s University.
​
Coaching, MAX, and the Vision
In 2012, Coach Mike returned to the game—this time as a leader and mentor. His first coaching role was at Columbia Prep Grammar & High School, where he led his team to a division title in his first season. As his coaching journey evolved, so did his vision for player development beyond traditional team settings.
In 2016, Coach Mike founded Dream Chasers Academy, a competitive travel baseball organization that has since grown into a respected Northeast program recognized by USA Baseball and Perfect Game. Built on accountability, commitment, and culture, Dream Chasers reflects Mike’s belief that development goes far beyond wins and losses.
That same philosophy led to the creation of MAX Baseball Center, a training environment designed to develop complete athletes through intentional instruction, advanced technology, and a high-standard culture. To further support young athletes during their most formative years, Coach Mike also founded MAX Academy, a middle school enrichment program for 7th and 8th graders that combines athletic development, structure, discipline, and life skills—preparing students for success both on the field and in the classroom.
Family
Family is the foundation of everything Coach Mike builds. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of his wife, Genesis, and their children—Michael Jr., Alex, Xavier, and Leah—who give him purpose every single day.
Coach Mike is also grateful for his two older brothers, Danny and Richard, who helped lead the way and set the example early in life. He is proud to be an uncle to Daniel, Shea, and Isabella, and values the role family plays in shaping strong, grounded leaders.