Softball

Levels: Varsity
Home Court: Calvary Softball Field

Head Coach - John Stein

Coach John Stein has been coaching softball in various settings for the last 12 years, including recreational leagues, travel leagues, high schools, and through private lessons. He traces his passion for the sport back to his childhood in the St. Louis area, where growing up a Cardinals fan is both an expectation and a privilege! At the age of 5 he told his parents that – when he grew up – he wanted to play baseball and then preach in the off-season. A Methodist preacher for over 30 years, his two greatest passions are still preaching and baseball/softball.

After coaching his sons in baseball, Coach Stein started coaching his daughter’s little league softball teams when she was 10 years old, and he’s never looked back. A year later she announced her intention to play in college, and Coach Stein knew he had to up his own game to help hers. He began to study the game, learning from his daughter’s private coaches, attending seminars and clinics, and even connecting with retired pro players and one long-time MLB star. He still loves learning! Most recently, Coach Stein coached at Northwood and Ledford high schools, where he’s focused primarily on pitching, infield, and hitting. Several of his players have gone on to play at the collegiate level. He believes playing (and coaching) is an act of faith, whereupon you honor God who has given opportunity and passion to play.

He comes from a remarkable family, which includes a college professor, a NASA data specialist, an AI researcher, and a teacher in youth nature education (who also has 6 pet tarantulas). Beginning with Coach Stein’s father, there are three straight generations of Eagle Scouts, with a fourth generation already underway.

He has three children. The oldest son was a professional singer and stage actor who now works in Charlotte as a health insurance account manager. He and his wife are raising their first child. His second son is a US Navy submariner, currently in Guam, assigned to the USS Asheville as a sonar technician. His daughter is the youngest. She is a college senior and a pitcher for Meredith College. An Academic All-Conference player, she’s completed requirements for a math degree from Meredith, and upon graduation next year, will also have a degree in mechanical engineering from NC State. All three are actively engaged in their faith, and all three are Cardinals fans. God is good!

Assistant Coach- Caitlyn Paylor

Caitlyn Paylor grew up in Creedmoor, NC. She is an only child and played sports her whole life. She was a three sport athlete throughout her athletic career. Although she loved all of the sports she played, softball was her favorite. She has played softball since she was 3. She was a utility player but her favorite was third base. She started at third base her freshman year at South Granville High School and switched between left field and third base her sophomore year. She has coached at both middle school and high school level. 

Now, she is an Elementary PE teacher at a school in Lexington. She lives with her husband in Winston-Salem. They have been married since June 2022. She loves coaching and sharing her love of sports with her athletes! Caitlyn can’t wait to be a part of the Cougar family!