Mike Balado

Bio

Named Miami Dade College’s Director of Athletics on August 10, 2023, Mike Balado brings more than 25 years of coaching and administrative experience to the Sharks, along with a proven track record of developing winning programs and student-athletes at every level.

Balado spent four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, where he helped develop several future NBA players, including Donovan Mitchell, Terry Rozier, Montrezl Harrell, and Damion Lee. During his time with the Cardinals, Louisville reached the NCAA Tournament three times, advancing as far as the Sweet 16 (2014) and the Elite Eight (2015).

In 2021–2022, Balado served as head coach at Arkansas State, leading the Red Wolves to an 18–11 record, the program’s most wins in five years and fewest losses since 2003–2004. He also made an immediate impact in his lone season as an assistant at FIU, helping the Panthers to an 18–14 mark, their highest win total in 15 years.

Balado’s résumé includes assistant coaching stops at Miami, Florida Atlantic, High Point, Nova Southeastern, Augusta, and Miami Dade College, as well as a stint at Miami Southridge High School. A Miami native fluent in Spanish, Balado began his playing career at St. Thomas University, where he was a two-year starter and team captain. He led the Bobcats to a regular-season conference championship while earning his bachelor’s degree in Psychology, later adding a master’s degree in Education in Exercise and Sport Science from Augusta University.

During his first tenure at MDC (2004–2005), Balado helped guide the Sharks to a program-best 27–5 record, recruiting the team’s top four players, including a conference player of the year. He later coached at Florida Atlantic and the University of Miami, where he helped the Hurricanes reach the NIT second round and mentored future NFL standout Jimmy Graham.

Balado’s time at Louisville also included a summer with Puerto Rico’s national team in 2015, working under Pitino during the Pan American Games and FIBA Americas Championship, further expanding his international coaching experience.

As head coach at Arkansas State, Balado recruited and developed Norchad Omier, the 2022 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, who later transferred to the University of Miami and continued his standout career.

Now leading one of the largest junior college athletic programs in the nation, Balado oversees Miami Dade’s athletic department, including baseball, women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and softball, while also spearheading the launch of the college’s men’s and women’s soccer programs.

Under Balado’s leadership, Miami Dade has experienced a surge in competitive success and visibility. The Sharks have produced numerous All-Conference student-athletes, highlighted by Luyeisy Marquez Moreno earning NJCAA National Player of the Year honors. The department also celebrated a historic milestone with every program qualifying for postseason play in the same season, while the volleyball program captured a championship run that elevated the Sharks on the national stage. Additionally, Balado secured a landmark partnership with adidas, making Miami Dade College the first junior college to sign directly with a global shoe brand.

Balado resides in Miami with his wife, Alicia, and their twins, Addy and Aiden.

 

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 THE MIKE BALADO FILE

 

COLLEGE

Bachelor’s degree: St. Thomas University (1998)

Master’s Degree: Augusta University (2000)

 

WORK EXPERIENCE=

1998-1999: Augusta University as a Graduate Assistant

1999-2000: Augusta University (Assistant Coach)

2000-2002: Miami Southridge High School (Assistant Coach)

2002-2003: Nova Southeastern University (Assistant Coach)

2003-2005: Miami Dade College (Assistant Coach)

2005-2008: Florida Atlantic University (Assistant Coach)

2008-2009: University of Miami (Graduate Assistant)

2009-2012: High Point University (Assistant Coach)

2012-2013: Florida International University (Assistant Coach)

2013-2017: University of Louisville (Assistant Coach)

2017-2023: Arkansas State University (Head Coach)

2023-present: Miami Dade College (Director of Athletics)