Belleville Native Named New Soccer Coach At Caldwell University

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Belleville native has been named as a new head soccer coach at Caldwell University, administrators announced Monday.

Max Correa, who has worked as an assistant coach at Division I College of Charleston since 2021, will succeed Evan Marques as Caldwell University’s eighth head men's soccer coach.

Marques resigned in December after three years at the helm.

Correa has several ties to Essex County. He was a four-year varsity player and three-year captain at Belleville High School. His extensive youth soccer coaching experience also includes a stint with the Montclair Soccer Club.

According to Caldwell University, Correa is a 2018 graduate of Drew University. He enjoyed a standout college playing career, where the team captain helped the Rangers to an NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen appearance, Landmark Conference championship and ECAC championship. The 2019 graduate finished third in school and second in Landmark history in assists (26).

Correa, an economics major, went on to earn his MBA at Wilkes and a master coach diploma from the University of Delaware.

Correa was promoted in 2023 to assistant coach at Charleston after serving as director of operations and player development and volunteer assistant coach at the South Carolina school. In his most recent role, he had a hand in all facets of the Coastal Athletic Association program, responsible for scouting reports, session planning, organizing camps, video, recruiting, on-field training and more. Previously, he was assistant coach at Wilkes (PA) University from 2019 to 2021.

Under his assistance, Charleston recorded a 10-6-2 season—its best since 2017—exceeding preseason projections and securing a fifth-place conference finish. Correa also coached multiple award-winning players, including the co-midfielder of the year, two first team all-conference selections, and three all-region honorees. His expertise in set-piece strategies contributed to 15 goals, accounting for 40 percent of the team's total scoring.

During the Fall 2023 season, Correa helped Charleston achieve a 6-6-5 record, marking the program’s first non-losing season since 2017. Throughout his tenure, six players received postseason accolades, including the 2021 CAA Rookie of the Year. Prior to Charleston, Correa played a pivotal role at Wilkes University, where he helped secure the program’s first playoff victory since 2008 and its first winning record since 2013.

Correa will have Caldwell Athletics administrator duties, as well as his coaching responsibilities, administrators noted.

Correa said he is “incredibly honored and excited” to take the helm at Caldwell University.

“This program has a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on the success that Coach Marques established while fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and growth for our student-athletes,” Correa said.

Mark Corino, assistant vice president and director of athletics, said Correa’s experience in the sport, New Jersey connections and “variety of skills and abilities” made him a strong candidate.

“It became even more apparent when we met him that he would be a good fit here, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Caldwell University family,” Corino added.

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