MEET THE COACHES
We are extremely excited to expose our players to these dynamic Coaches, Trainers and Managers. Their experience alone speaks volumes.
However, the care, compassion and guidance for players will be immeasurable.
We look forward to an exciting season and count it a sheer blessing to have the opportunity to coach the talented young men in the Five Star Carolina Baseball Organization.
Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
COACH BENNETT
Coach Bennett brings over 10 years of experience in leadership, mentoring, and player development. As both an educator and coach, he has dedicated his career to preparing young people for success—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Through his work with 5 Star Carolina, Coach Bennett has helped guide players through the recruiting process, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and preparation. His approach is rooted in building strong relationships with players and families while holding athletes to a high standard of performance and character. Over 110 players have received offers to play at the next level.
Coach Bennett believes that every player has potential—but it must be developed with intention, consistency, and the right mindset.
His mission is simple:
To prepare players for the next level and equip them with the tools to succeed beyond the game.
Coach Jaylen Mack
Coach Mack is from Lumberton, North Carolina and attended Red Springs High School. He played baseball and basketball for the Devils and was a member of the Beta Club. He was selected to attend MLB Breakthrough Series on two occasions.
After High School, he attended Southeastern Community College. He played baseball and was named All East Region 2nd Team (2022). Jaylen Mack played travel baseball for Carolina Rebels and 5 Star Select.
He received a Scholarship to play at Coker University in 2022-23. Tied for 14th in Coker Baseball Individual Season Record Stolen Bases with 21. While attending Coker, he earned National Gold Glove Finalist (2024), All Sac Defense (2024), All Sac 3rd Team (2025), All Region 2nd Team (2025), Coker Male Athlete Performer of the Year (2025). He also was selected apart of the All-Star team Coaching Staff of the Coastal Plain League.
He graduated 2025 from Coker Bachelor of Art in Sports Administration. He currently is an Assistant Coach at Coker and coach the Morehead City Marlins in the Coastal Plain League.
WilL Thomas
Will Thomas is a dedicated baseball coach with a strong background in both athletics and education. From Newport News, VA, he graduated from Grafton High School before continuing his academic and athletic career at Saint Augustine’s University, where he played four years of Division II baseball.
Following his playing career, Will furthered his education at University of Central Florida, earning a dual master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Sport Business Management, with a concentration in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Since 2016, Will has been actively coaching travel baseball, bringing passion, knowledge, and a player-first mindset to every team he works with. In 2024, he expanded his leadership in athletics by becoming a middle school Athletic Director, where he continues to impact student-athletes beyond the field.
Will is committed to developing not only skilled athletes, but confident and resilient individuals. He finds the most fulfillment in helping athletes reach those breakthrough moments—when hard work turns into understanding—and in guiding them to push through adversity both on and off the field.
Isaiah Bennett
Isaiah is from Charleston, South Carolina. He spent most of his life in Fayetteville, North Carolina because his father was in the military. He attended Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, NC. He played baseball and soccer at Pine Forest where he was Player of the Year two times in Soccer and in baseball was First Team All-Conference for 3 years.
Isaiah was selected to attend MLB Dream Series event on two occasions and Breakthrough Series on two occasions while in High School. His Junior season of High School, he had Tommy John Surgery and missed his senior year of High School. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 36 Round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
He was recruited by many schools and selected University of Chapel Hill. He redshirted his freshman year and later transferred to Chipola down in Florida. Where he played for Coach Johnson.
He graduated from Chipola and received a scholarship to Queens University (NC). He graduated from Queens University in 2024 with a Degree in Psychology. He currently works as for FC Charlotte Soccer the Digital Platforms Coordinator.
CLAY HAIGH
Clay was a four-year varsity starter at The Burlington School and played a major role in the High School team winning a state championship in 2022. In 2023, he Redshirted at Cleveland CC due to shoulder issues. 2024, he started and closed games topping out at 94 mph. The Fall Season, his Rs-Sophomore year, he had an 0.69 ERA and 0.097 bavg against. He was selected as one of the team’s captains as well. Unfortunately, that spring 2025, he tore his UCL and had to undergo UCL internal brace/repair surgery leading to me taking a gap year to rehab. He is currently working out for Summer of 2026 to join his collegiate summer team.
CJ Collins
CJ graduated 2022 from Pine Forest HS in Fayetteville, NC. He received a baseball scholarship to attend Averett University. While at Averett University, he became a Pitcher Only and was selected by the coaching staff as the Friday night pitcher. After a successful career at Averett University, CJ graduated in 2025 with a major in Sports Administration and minors in Business Administration.