Our Coaches

Our Sting coaching team combines extensive collegiate and professional experience with a passion for developing young athletes. Committed to fostering a positive and competitive environment, our coaches help players grow their skills, understand teamwork, and achieve excellence on and off the field. Meet our dedicated coaches who inspire and elevate our team.

A cartoon mascot of a green stinging insect wearing a baseball uniform and gloves, holding a baseball. The insect has blue and black striped wings and is sitting on a large striped green and black ball. Below, the words 'CAROLINA STING' are written in bold white and green letters.
  • A baseball pitcher in a white pinstripe uniform with red sleeves and cap, mid-pitch on the mound.

    John Gilreath

    Head Coach

    John Gilreath is a former left-handed pitcher who played collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina. Before Carolina, Coach Gilreath was the #1 ranked player in the state of South Carolina and was the 5A player of the year. He led Northwestern high school to their first state championship, and also played for the Evoshield Canes National team. Over his five seasons with the Gamecocks, he made 83 appearances, firmly cementing himself in the top 10 of all time appearances for Gamecock pitchers.

    After his successful collegiate career, John continued to pursue his passion for baseball professionally by joining the Trenton Thunder in the MLB Draft League. His professional experience further honed his expertise and competitive edge, making him a valuable asset to any coaching staff​.

    John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Carolina Sting, combining his collegiate and professional insights to develop young athletes both technically and strategically. His dedication to the game and commitment to player development make him an exceptional coach and mentor for aspiring baseball players.

  • A baseball player in a red uniform and helmet is standing at home plate with a bat, ready to swing. A catcher in protective gear is behind him, and a teammate is in the background, on a baseball field with a backstop netting.

    Dalton Bontempo

    Assistant Coach

    Originally from Greensboro, NC, Dalton Bontempo started playing baseball at the age of 8 and continued through high school, where he earned all-conference honors at both first base and catcher. After high school, Dalton chose to enroll at the University of South Carolina, where he joined the baseball team as a walk-on and served as the primary bullpen catcher from 2020 to 2022. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2022.

    Dalton recently completed his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNC Charlotte. A dedicated fan of the Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns, Dalton brings a unique blend of athletic and academic experience to his coaching role, emphasizing both physical and mental excellence in his players.

    Dalton's background in competitive baseball, coupled with his educational achievements, makes him an invaluable asset to the Carolina Sting coaching staff.

  • A baseball player in a blue uniform and helmet prepares to bat at home plate while other players and spectators stand in the background.

    Andrew Laird

    Assistant Coach

    BIO COMING SOON…