Steve Gambone
Softball Hitting Instruction
Steve’s approach to hitting has helped dozens of his students go on to play at the Division I level. As a coach, he is one of the most successful in the state of Ohio. As coach of the Ohio Lasers Red, Steve became the first Ohio coach to win a national championship. Steve has also coached at Canton Central Catholic High School and Notre Dame College in Cleveland. Both of Steve’s daughters played at the Division I level: Lauren for the University of Buffalo and Caitlyn for the University of Akron. Steve has taught hitting at Diamond Dreams since 2015. #SteaksforSteve!
Payton Gottshall
Softball Instruction
Payton Gottshall starred in the College World Series and achieved 2024 All-American status as a pitcher for the University of Tennessee. The former Perry High state champion now plays professionally and is thrilled to return to her off-season training home to pass on her expertise to young players! She does so by offering private lessons and directing camps at Diamond Dreams.
Madi Pukansky
Softball Instruction
Madi was a four-year letterwinner at Green High School and an All-Federal League infielder before joining the Malone University program. She batted .267 as a freshman for the Pioneers in 2023, then hit .325 during her sophomore season in 2024 with six doubles, two home runs and 21 RBIs. Madi instructs hitters and infielders at Diamond Dreams, and serves as co-instructor for the Diamond Dreams Winter Softball Skills Camp.
Emily Spada
Softball Instruction
Emily was a three-year letter-winner as an outfielder at Green High School, then played for Malone University from 2021-24. She was a two-time Great Midwest Academic All-Conference Team honoree for the Pioneers. Emily instructs hitters and outfielders at Diamond Dreams, and serves as co-instructor for the Diamond Dreams Winter Softball Skills Camp.
Kristen Miller
Softball Defensive Instruction
Kristen is the former head softball coach at Louisville High School. She was an assistant coach on the 2019 Leopards team that captured the Division I state championship. Kristen was a standout player at Newcomerstown High School, then played infield and outfield for the University of Kentucky. She was the head coach of the Ohio Emeralds from 2011 to 2021 and now leads the Ohio Lasers. Kristen joined the Louisville coaching staff as an assistant in 2016 and became head coach in 2021. Kristen provides instruction on all aspects of defense at Diamond Dreams.
Beau Bleakley
Softball Catching Instruction
Beau Bleakley fell in love with the game of baseball - and especially catching - many years ago. He attributes his success at playing the position to the lessons and camps he attended as a youth and high school player. He now gives back to the game by coaching youth teams and teaching the art and skills of catching. Beau attended Northwest High School, caught for a number of travel teams and now catches in the Canton Class A League. He gives lessons to baseball and softball players at Diamond Dreams.