Meet the Leaders

Joe Maizonet
Founder and Director of Operations

  • Joe Maizonet, CEO and Founder of Athletes Academy, is committed to using sports to foster resilience, integrity, and growth.

    With over 20 years in the insurance industry and five years as a corporate trainer, Joe applies his expertise in leadership to youth development.

    His 25+ years as a youth sports coach and certified official have shaped his approach to teaching discipline, sportsmanship, and mental resilience. Through Athletes Academy, Joe empowers young athletes to develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed on and off the field, emphasizing emotional strength, leadership, and personal growth.

  • Joe leads Athletes Academy with a values-driven approach rooted in respect, discipline, and adaptability. His operational expertise fosters team cohesion and efficiency, prioritizing collective success.

    Joe’s coaching style blends firmness with empathy, tailoring guidance to each athlete’s goals. He views the coach-player bond as sacred, believing leadership is about shaping both athletic talent and character, building a foundation for success on and off the field.

  • Joe’s ambitions for Athletes Academy extend far beyond athletic development. His vision is to create a multi-team organization that intertwines community outreach, volunteering, and peer mentorship.

    Joe is committed to fostering not only skilled athletes but also responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. Inspired by his experience serving on his community’s board of directors, he integrates civic responsibility into Athletes Academy, equipping young athletes with the tools to balance their ambitions with a commitment to giving back

Marline Maizonet
Co-Founder and Administrative & Finance Director

  • Born in New York, raised in Florida, and having spent time in Illinois before making North Carolina her home, Marline has been committed to community service and helping others achieve their potential from a young age.

    Her dedication to service began early: in middle school, she read to young children, volunteered at hospitals and soup kitchens in high school, and later became a Big Sister mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami-Dade County. This commitment has consistently focused on assisting underserved youth to succeed academically and experience life beyond their immediate surroundings.

    Marline’s dedication to community and personal growth has been a foundation throughout her life and continues to drive her contributions to others' lives and communities.

  • As a dedicated student-athlete, Marline exemplified both athletic and academic excellence, leading her high school track team to district championships throughout all four years.

    She set a school record in the 400 meters and qualified for the state championships in both her junior and senior years, demonstrating a balance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

    Her dedication extended beyond the track, where she actively participated in the honor society and other student organizations, carrying this commitment to leadership and excellence into her college career.

    Marline graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Human Resources, Marketing, and Economics, and later earned an MBA, solidifying a strong academic and professional foundation that she brings into every endeavor.

  • Marline’s career spans leadership roles in both Fortune 100 companies and civic-focused organizations, emphasizing a passion for the “people experience” and the value of unique individual strengths in team success. Her professional journey reflects her commitment to supporting those in need, from aiding storm survivors as a catastrophe adjuster to recruiting and developing compassionate professionals.

    Now in a senior leadership position, she is focused on fostering an inclusive work environment that enhances employee engagement, growth, and well-being. Marline aligns people strategies with organizational values to improve accessibility and user experience for government services, illustrating her belief in the power of leadership to impact society positively.

    This same spirit fuels her work with Athletes Academy, which Marline helped establish to empower young athletes in both sport and life. Through Athletes Academy, she strives to nurture the next generation of athletes and community leaders, fostering qualities of integrity, empathy, and purpose. At her core, Marline is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and neighbor, committed to creating positive change within her community.