Our Coaches
John Stillson
Coach John Stillson has been an integral part of the Orange County Crushers organization since 2013, serving as a coach, instructor, and member of the Board of Directors. With a passion for player development, John has dedicated himself to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field while preparing them for opportunities at the collegiate level.
John played collegiate baseball at Barry University in Miami, Florida, where he was a four-year Academic All-Conference player. He remains ranked among the program's top 10 all-time leaders in games played, stolen bases, and stolen base percentage.
During his time with the Crushers, John coached a team from 9U through 18U, helping guide 17 players who went on to play college baseball. His experience navigating the college recruiting process, combined with his understanding of what it takes to succeed as a student-athlete, allows him to provide valuable guidance to players and families pursuing opportunities at the next level.
John believes that developing college-ready athletes goes beyond baseball skills. His coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, accountability, character, and academic achievement, helping players build a foundation for success both on the field and in life.
Michael Olenoski
Coach Mike Olenoski brings collegiate playing experience and a strong background in youth player development to the Orange County Crushers. He has coached baseball and softball players from ages 8U up to the high school level.
A former three-year varsity starter at Western Alamance High School, Michael played two years of college baseball at Palomar College in San Diego, California. Since 2023, he has coached with the Chapel Hill High School baseball program at the JV and Varsity levels, and joined the Crushers coaching staff at that time working with athletes across all development stages. Coach Mike also provides tailored private instruction and bases his coaching philosophy on building fundamentals, effort, accountability, and game intelligence to help players grow into confident, well-rounded athletes.
Catherine Griffin
Coach Cat Griffin brings a lifelong passion for softball and over 20 years of experience to the Orange County Crushers. Currently in her third year coaching with both the Crushers travel organization and as the assistant coach at her alma mater, Chapel Hill High School, Cat has spent two decades playing, coaching, and teaching the game throughout the Triangle area. Her playing background includes a four-year varsity career at Chapel Hill High School, which earned her multiple collegiate fastpitch scholarship offers.
Driven by a "development-first" philosophy, Coach Cat focuses on mastering fundamentals, building high softball IQ, and fostering mental resilience, accountability, and leadership. Her ultimate goal is to ensure young female athletes leave her program completely prepared for their next step, whether that means making a school team, pursuing collegiate softball, or carrying vital life lessons off the field.
Taran CoyneSmith
Coach Taran CoyneSmith grew up in Chapel Hill playing for the OC Crushers. He went on to play for CHHS and at the College of Wooster for one year before transferring to UNC where he plays for the Club team and serves as pitching coach for the CHHS Tigers.
Served as a Crusher assistant coach for four years before becoming head coach of the Crusher HSU team.
Taran is a never-ending student of the game coaching players in both the physical and mental components to help them be successful. He is a fierce competitor with a strong passion in pitching and first base instruction.
Josh Campos
Coach Josh Campos is an outfielder at Liberty University and a proud Crushers alum. Playing with the OC Crushers, earned several Perfect Game U17 All-Tournament selections in 2021. From there, went on play at Florence-Darlington Tech, where he hit .350 with a .472 on-base percentage and 54 stolen bases while helping the Stingers reach two JUCO World Series. In his first season at Liberty in 2026, Josh started all 64 games in the outfield, hit 12 home runs with 51 RBI, ranked top 15 nationally in defensive runs saved, and was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament Team.
Currently, Josh is an assistant coach for the 17U Crushers, where he serves as third base coach and hitting and outfield coach. He also leads instruction for other Crusher teams as part of their player development in practices and excels in providing players instruction looking to take their game to the college ranks. He recently founded Campos Baseball Development, LLC for college recruiting advising in addition to hitting/outfield lessons for players looking to take their game to the college rank.
Drew Buxton
Coach Drew Buxton is a Crusher alum who played with the organization from age 7 to 17. After high school, he went on to pitch for Wake Tech CC. Coach Drew brings high energy with a strong passion to pass on knowledge that he has gained over to players and teams he coaches.
His first Crusher memory is attending 9u tryouts as a player where they did multiple stations including pitching which he had never done before. Coach Drew recalls, “I had never pitched before and in all honesty… I had no idea what it even was! I ended up making the team and can remember this uncontrollable smile beaming in the back of the truck. I didn’t know it then, but this decision was going to turn out to be the best one of my entire life.” He goes on to say, “I will never be able to repay this sport for what it has given me, I am beyond honored to continue to be here after all these years! This journey with the Crushers organization created lifelong friendships, endless memories, and stories that I will forever continue to reminisce about. So thank you Patrick for showing me this organization. Thank you to all the parents (including mine) who work their tails off everyday to give this opportunity to the players.
Now I coach alongside the organization where it all started!”