Staff

Matt Ellsworth

Head Coach

Matt Ellsworth enters his 1st season as the head coach for the Raleigh Red Oaks. He has spent close to 15 years as a baseball coach with 11 of those years spread out at all levels of college baseball; including opportunities to coach in the ACC. Ellsworth has coached eight players who’ve signed professional contracts, three NCAA All-Americans, four NCAA All-Region players, 13 NCAA All-Conference selections, and one NCAA Gold-Glove award winner. He is very involved with volunteer opportunities in the Raleigh community including the Miracle League of the Triangle, Boys & Girls Club of America, and The Angel Tree Project. Currently, Matt is an assistant coach at William Peace University and resides in the Raleigh area with his wife Rebecca, who is a registered nurse, and his son Luke who is a student-athlete at a local high school.

Michael Horrell

Pitching Coach

Emailmhorrell@raleighredoaks.com

Michael Horrell also enters his first season with the Red Oaks, and will be leading the pitching staff. Michael pitched at Campbell University from 2016-2019, and was recognized as 2x all-conference, 2019 Big South Pitcher of the Year and finished in the top 10 in wins, innings pitched, ERA and strikeouts at Campbell. Michael was drafted by the Astros in 2019 and played until 2023, spending 2 years in AA. He also pitching for the York Revolution in the Atlantic League in 2024, winning the Atlantic League Championship and was awarded the Gold Glove Award for Pitchers.

Taylor Webster

Assistant Coach

Taylor Webster is the current Head Baseball Coach at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh and has been since 2018. He currently has over 60 wins at Athens Drive with multiple playoff appearances. He has had 11 of his alumni play baseball at the college level, with 4 playing at a Division 1 program. In 2020, Athens Drive Baseball won the NCHSAA Commissioner's Cup for their efforts on the field and within their community. Taylor and his fiancé, Rebekah, live in Raleigh and he has been apart of baseball in Raleigh for almost 30 years.

Orlando Jones

General Manager

Emailojones@raleighredoaks.com

Orlando Jones is entering his second season as the General Manger of the Red Oaks. Orlando has been involved with baseball as a player, coach, and now general manager for over 25 years. His experience has allowed him to coach and volunteer his time on many levels, which includes recreation, travel/showcase circuit, middle school, and college levels.

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Kyle Nachtsheim

Voice of the Oak City Gliders / Game Announcer

Hailing from Orlando, Fla., and later finding his roots in Alamance County, N.C., Kyle Nachtsheim is entering his third summer as the Voice of the Red Oaks. A proud graduate of Coastal Carolina University, Kyle's journey in storytelling began as a student writer for the "Here & Now" youth page of the Burlington Times-News. Beyond the traditional realms of journalism and broadcasting, Kyle has also ventured into the world of podcasting, bringing his unique perspective to the digital airwaves. His podcasting endeavors have cemented his status as a multi-faceted talent, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences in diverse ways.

Chase & Emily Lio

Owners

Emailclio@raleighredoaks.com

Chase and Emily Lio are the proud new owners of the Raleigh Red Oaks! With a shared passion for sports and community, Chase and Emily are thrilled to be part of the Raleigh area, especially in championing local youth sports. They’re dedicated to building a team that Raleigh can be proud of and rally behind, creating exciting moments on and off the field.

Alongside their two boys, Mason and Warner—who are bound to be the team’s loudest and most enthusiastic fans—the Lios are ready to help the Red Oaks thrive. Together, they look forward to connecting with fans and fostering a strong, spirited presence for Raleigh’s hometown team.

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