Sandlot Stars

Mike has been involved in sports since he was 9 years old. He played football and lacrosse in high school and began coaching at the age of 20. 

After graduating from Bryant College in 1988, Mike moved to California. While living in Southern California (1989-1993), he became interested in helping athletes improve their performance levels. He became a certified personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise in 1991. Mike spent the next two years practicing his craft by working for established personal training studios in the Hermosa Beach area.

In 1993, Mike returned to New York and opened Rockland's first "Spinning" Center.  Along the way, Mike also became a National Presenter for the Johnny "G" Spinning Program.  At this time, he also resumed coaching high school football at his alma mater, Clarkstown North High School.

In 1999, Mike began working with young athletes more frequently. During one football season, he kept noticing that many kids lacked basic athletic skills, like running a pass pattern or changing direction without control. 

In 2000, Mike traveled back to California to become certified as a speed & agility coach by  S.A.C. Canada/ USA, an international athletic development organization.

From 2005 until last year, Mike served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for St. Thomas Aquinas College where he worked with hundreds of college athletes helping them to improve their performance while limiting their risk of injury.

In 2006, Mike created a speed and agility camp called Mike Looney Sports Performance. The purpose was to bring his athletic development program to the elementary and middle school-age children. In 2008, the camp name was changed to Sandlot Stars.

Today, Sandlot remains the area's only  summer program specifically dedicated to improving athletic ability through the use of sports performance coaching, physical education and unstructured play. Mikes personal mission is to give as many children as possible the chance to reach their own athletic potential while providing them a safe place to play and have fun.  

Some Of Mike's Credentials...

• M.A.T. in Physical Education - 2012 -  Manhattanville College, Purchase, N.Y. 

• B.S. Business Administraion - 1988 - Bryant University, Smithfield, R.I.

• Director of Strength & Conditioning  2006 - 2011 St. Thomas Aquinas College 

• Certified Level One Speed Coach  - S.A.C. Canada/U.S.A. 

• IYCA Certified Youth Conditioning Specialist 

• ENYYSA Certified Youth Soccer Coach