© 2026 All rights reserved
A TRADITION OF DEVELOPMENT
Developing Players, Students, and Players. Strengthening Our Community.
For nearly five decades, Columbus Express Soccer Club has been committed to one thing above all else: development.
Development is bigger than winning games. It is helping young players become better soccer players, better teammates, stronger students, confident leaders, and successful members of their communities. We want to develop the whole person.
Since 1977, generations of players have worn the Express badge. They have gone on to compete in college, represent national teams, play professionally, become coaches, raise families, and return to serve the communities that helped shape them.
FROM EXPRESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
A PATHWAY WITH A PURPOSE
Columbus Express provides a complete player-development pathway from a player’s first experiences with the game through the highest levels of youth soccer.
Our goal is not simply to build successful teams. It is to provide each player with the coaching, environment, competition, and support necessary to reach their individual potential.
That commitment has helped Express players progress to:
- Professional Soccer
- Collegiate Soccer
- US Youth National Team environments
- Regional and National Competition
- State, Regional, and National Championships
- Leadership and coaching roles within the game
PROFESSIONAL PATHWAY
Columbus Express has helped provide a foundation for players to pursue opportunities beyond our club. From college soccer to youth national teams and the professional game, these former Express players demonstrate where development can lead.
LOGAN NEIDLINGER
Logan Neidlinger spent three seasons developing with Columbus Express before joining the Indy Eleven Academy in 2021. He progressed through Indy’s academy system, earned a USL Academy contract, and made his First Team debut in 2024. At 18, Neidlinger became the youngest goalscorer in Indy Eleven history and the first Indy Eleven Academy-contract player to score for the First Team. Later that year, he signed his first professional contract with Indy Eleven. His pathway provides today’s Express players with a recent example of how development at the youth level can become an opportunity in the professional game.
MORGAN PROFFITT
Columbus native Morgan Proffitt progressed from her early years in soccer to an outstanding collegiate and professional career. At Marquette University, she developed into one of the BIG EAST’s top players before being selected 12th overall in the 2017 NWSL College Draft by the Chicago Red Stars. Proffitt also represented the United States at the U-18 and U-23 levels and played professionally for the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Spirit, Slavia Praha, and Reign FC. Her journey from Columbus to the national and professional stages demonstrates just how far a strong foundation and continued development can take a player.
Carl Woszczynski
Columbus native Carl Woszczynski developed into one of the area’s most accomplished goalkeepers. After starring at Columbus North, he played NCAA Division I soccer at UAB, where he earned All-Conference and All-Region recognition and established himself among the program’s top goalkeepers. Woszczynski was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft before building a lengthy professional career that included LA Blues, Orlando City, Arizona United, and Phoenix Rising. His career included setting a USL single-season record with 130 saves in 2015, providing another example of a Columbus player reaching the professional game.
AARAV NIHALANI
A Columbus native, Aarav Nihalani’s development pathway has included experiences with Indy Eleven, El Paso Locomotive, Chattanooga Red Wolves, and Hoosier Premier before returning to Columbus Express. In 2026, Nihalani helped the Express 2007 Boys Orange capture the club’s first NPL National Championship. Just months later, he signed a USL Academy contract with USL Championship side Charleston Battery, allowing him to train and compete in a professional environment while maintaining his college eligibility. His journey represents the continuing evolution of the Express pathway and the opportunities available to ambitious players.
COLLEGE SOCCER & BEYOND
Preparing Players for What’s Next
For many Express players, the next step is college soccer.
Columbus Express has helped players continue their careers at programs throughout Indiana and across the country.
Our alumni have competed at NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III programs, as well as NAIA institutions.
But college placement is about more than simply finding a roster.
Our senior program helps players understand the recruiting process, identify appropriate opportunities, communicate with college coaches, develop player profiles and film, and make informed decisions about their academic and athletic futures.
The goal isn’t simply to get players to college. It’s to prepare them to succeed when they get there.
Since 2018, Columbus Express alumni have moved on to the following college programs:
Player | High School | College |
|---|---|---|
Adam Ott | Franklin Community | Wabash College |
Addie Marshall | Franklin Community | Butler University |
Addy Sever | Franklin Community | Hanover College |
Aidan Heister | Seymour | Hanover College |
Aidan Whitley | Columbus North | DePauw University |
Alejandro Alvarez | Columbus North | IU Columbus |
Alejandro Hernandez | Shelbyville | IU Columbus |
Alejandro Saldivar | Columbus East | IU Columbus |
Alex Mendez | Columbus North | University of St. Francis |
Allison Kolhouse | Columbus North | Case Western Reserve University |
Anthony Johnson | Columbus North | Concordia University |
Avery Baker | Columbus North | University of Indianapolis |
Ayb Moore | Franklin Community | Franklin College |
Branson Young | Columbus East | Delta State University |
Bryan Rodriguez | Columbus North | Trine University |
Carter Hendrix | Seymour | IU Columbus |
Cassie Pike | Shelbyville | Anderson University |
Chris Quisenbery | Columbus East | Loyola University |
Christian Cardoso | Columbus North | IU Columbus |
Christian Haas | Shelbyville | IU Columbus |
Cody Naylor | Connersville | Franklin College |
Colvin Iorio | Columbus North | Oberlin College |
Cyanne St Bernard | Shelbyville | IU Columbus |
Daniel Hartman | Seymour | University of Southern Indiana |
Drew Hassebroek | Shelbyville | IU Columbus |
Dylan Bastian | Franklin Community | Anderson University |
Dylan Krueckeberg | — | IU Columbus |
Eduardo Cordova | Columbus North | IU Columbus |
Eli Miller | Roncalli | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
Ellie Simpson | Shelbyville | IU East |
Elliott Cook | Indianapolis Lutheran | Concordia University |
Emilio Quintero Aguirre | Columbus East | Franklin College |
Emily Rosales | Greensburg | Glenville State University |
Emma Kiefer | Shelbyville | Hanover College |
Emma Myers | Trinity Lutheran | Anderson University |
Eric Stiles | Columbus East | Belmont University |
Evelyn Kiefer | Shelbyville | Hanover College |
Finn Railey | New Albany | University of Evansville |
Gavin Fugate | Franklin Community | IU Columbus |
Genevive Smith | Greensburg | Baldwin Wallace University |
Graham Klein | Madison | Franklin College |
Greyson Newhart | Greensburg | Huntington University |
Hannah Grimes | Columbus North | IU Columbus |
Ian Jackson | Cathedral | DePauw University |
Jackson Kelsey | Madison | Anderson University |
Jake Hofelich | Columbus East | IU Columbus |
Jasper Martin | Connersville | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
Jenna Lang | Columbus North | University of Michigan |
JJ Salcedo | Columbus North | IU Columbus |
Jonah Sipes | Columbus North | Trine University |
Jony Garcia Renteria | Columbus North | Franklin College |
Jordan Ritter | Seymour | Anderson University |
Joseph Bawi | Perry Meridian | University of Indianapolis |
Julian Jackson | Cathedral | University of Evansville |
Justin Sylva | Columbus East | IU Columbus |
Kate Kolhouse | Columbus North | DePauw University |
Kaylee Schneider | Madison | Franklin College |
KJ Ely | Columbus North | DePauw University |
Konnor Gribbins | Columbus North | Wittenberg University |
Konrad Polit | Bloomington South | Transylvania University |
Korbin Hatcher | Columbus East | Spalding University |
Kylie Montgomery | Madison | Franklin College |
Landon Evans | Home School | Greenville College |
Lauren Barker | Columbus North | Franklin College |
Lucas Brunson | Center Grove | Marian University |
Luke Kegerreis | Roncalli | Xavier University |
Maggie Gibson | Salem | Baldwin Wallace University |
Maggie Matthews | Columbus East | Franklin College |
Marckenson Paul | Seymour | IU Columbus |
Martin Sebastian | Seymour | IU Columbus |
Mason Herbert | Franklin Community | IU Columbus |
Matthew Payne | Franklin Community | Concordia University |
Misaki Takemoto | Columbus North | Aichi Gakuin University |
Nadia Harris | Columbus East | IU Columbus |
Nathan Davis | Jennings County | IU Columbus |
Nathan White | Columbus North | Transylvania University |
Nico Gotoh | Columbus North | Hanover College |
Nolan Ferguson | Whiteland | Anderson University |
Ollie Dickman | New Albany | Transylvania University |
Oscar Ballinas | Columbus North | Indiana Tech |
Owen Sowers | Center Grove | DePauw University |
Raule Oliveria | Columbus North | Texas A&M University–Texarkana |
Rebecca Valdez | Shelbyville | IU Columbus |
Rick Sanchez | Columbus East | IU Columbus |
Riley Flora | Franklin Community | Carthage College |
Sam Chandler | Seymour | Hanover College |
Sarah Fulp | Columbus North | Franklin College |
Sophie Parker | Shelbyville | IU Columbus |
Trent Liggett | Columbus North | Huntington University |
Zach Roberts | Columbus East | IU Columbus |
Zander Roggow | Trinity Lutheran | University of St. Francis |
Konnor Gribbins - Wittenberg
Jenna Lang - Michigan
Aidan Whitley - DePauw
Finn Railey - Purdue Fort Wayne
Luke Kegerreis - IU Indy
Jonah Sipes - Trine
ACHIEVEMENT & SUCCESS
We believe development and winning are not competing ideas. When players are taught the game, challenged appropriately, and given time to develop together, competitive success can become a result of the development process. Here are some recent Express accomplishments and the team and individual level:
NPL National Champions
2007 Boys Orange captured the first national championship in Columbus Express history after an undefeated NPL Midwest Development League campaign.
NPL Finals Best XI
Konnor Gribbins and Jonah Sipes were selected to the 2026 NPL Finals Best XI, with Express the only club to place two players among the tournament’s eleven selections.
NATIONAL PRESIDENTS CUP BERTHS
In 2022, our 2008 Boys Orange ran through the Indiana Presidents Cup and Midwest Presidents Cup to be the first Express team in club history to earn a National Championship berth.
Since 2022, we have had four teams make appearances at Nationals as the 2008 Boys returned to Presidents Cup Nationals in 2025 and our 2009 Boys and 2007 Boys earning trips to NPL National Championships in 2026.
NATiONAL PRESIDENTS CUP BEST XI
Emilio Quintero Aguirre was honored for his play in the 2025 National Presidents Cup being named to the Best XI team.
In 2022, Columbus Express had three players named to the Best XI National Presidents Cup team with Angel Espejel, Parker Gribbins, and Julian Jackson earning the award.
ON TO THE NEXT ROUND
Columbus Express has seen teams win at the State, Regional, and National level. The recent crop of Express teams have witnessed State Cup Champions, Regional Champions, and National Champions. In 2023, the 2005 Boys Orange made an appearance in the US Youth Soccer Regional Championship, the first time an Express boys team had been there in almost 43 years. Six years earlier, Columbus Express saw our U13 and U14 Girls teams march to US Youth Soccer Regionals after winning back-to-back State Championships.
ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-REGION, & ALL-STATE
Columbus Express players have consistently earned United Soccer Coaches All-American and All-Region honors and Indiana Soccer Coaches Association All-State awards, reflecting the quality and commitment of players developed within the club. CESC is proud of its strong connection to area high school programs with Express players representing schools throughout.
Columbus Express players named to United Soccer Coaches All-American or All-Region teams since 2018:
Player | High School | United Soccer Coaches Honor | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jenna Lang | Columbus North | All-American | 2020, 2021 |
Jenna Lang | Columbus North | All-Region | 2020, 2021 |
Eric Stiles | Columbus East | All-Region | 2019 |
Anthony Johnson | Columbus North | All-Region | 2022 |
Aidan Whitley | Columbus North | All-Region | 2023 |
Columbus Express players named to Indiana Soccer Coaches Association All-State teams since 2018:
GIRLS
Player | School | All-State Years |
|---|---|---|
Jenna Lang | Columbus North | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
Lindsey Stoughton | Columbus East | 2018, 2019 |
Alana Dwenger | Columbus East | 2019, 2020 |
Nitya Chenanda | Columbus North | 2019, 2020, 2021 |
Lauryn Whitley | Columbus North | 2020 |
Norah Dwenger | Columbus East | 2021, 2022 |
Nadia Harris | Columbus East | 2023 |
Allison Kolhouse | Columbus North | 2024, 2025 |
BOYS
Player | School | All-State Years |
|---|---|---|
Daniel Hartman | Seymour | 2018 |
Eric Stiles | Columbus East | 2018, 2019 |
Jorge Nieto | Columbus East | 2019 |
Chris Quisenberry | Columbus East | 2019, 2020, 2021 |
Zach Roberts | Columbus East | 2019 |
Anthony Johnson | Columbus North | 2021, 2022 |
Luke Kegerreis | Roncalli | 2021 |
William Smith | Seymour | 2022 |
Aidan Whitley | Columbus North | 2022, 2023 |
Christian Cardoso | Columbus North | 2022, 2023 |
Eli Miller | Roncalli | 2022, 2023 |
JD Sever | Franklin Community | 2023 |
Finn Railey | New Albany | 2023 |
Ollie Dickman | New Albany | 2024 |
Sam Brown | Columbus North | 2024 |
Lance Hubbard | Seymour | 2024 |
Jonah Sipes | Columbus North | 2025 |
Emilio Quintero Aguirre | Columbus East | 2025 |
Indiana SOCCER CLUB DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Ty Smith has been recognized as a leading club director, earning Indiana Soccer Club Director of the Year honors in both 2020 and 2025. Smith is one of only two individuals to have received the honor twice.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
PROvIDE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE
Player development does not happen by accident. We are a small club and to be able to make a big impact, we have to be very organized and ready to improve.
- Professional & Licensed Coaching
Players learn from a staff committed to teaching the game and continuing their own education.
- Player-Centered Instruction
Development begins with the needs of the individual player.
- Individual Development Plans
Players are encouraged to understand their strengths, identify areas for growth, and take ownership of their development.
- Regular Player Evaluations
Structured feedback helps players and families understand progress throughout the year.
- Game-Based Training
Players learn to recognize situations, solve problems, make decisions, and execute under realistic pressure.
- Appropriate Competition
Local, state, regional, and national opportunities challenge players at different stages of their development.
- College Recruiting Support
Older players receive resources and advocacy as they explore opportunities beyond youth soccer.
GENERATIONS OF EXPRESS
Columbus Express Soccer Club began in 1977 when a small group of dedicated parents and a former professional player from Scotland created a soccer field behind Parkside Elementary School. They burned lines into the grass with a kerosene-dipped rope and used four oil drums as goals.
Nearly 50 years later, those humble beginnings have grown into a club serving hundreds of players each year with a complete pathway from a player’s first experience with the game through U23+ soccer.
CESC players have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels, earn All-State and All-Region honors, and win championships at the state, regional, and national levels. More importantly, generations of Express players have grown into successful men and women, parents, coaches, teachers, leaders, and contributors to their communities.
The fields, facilities, and opportunities have changed dramatically since 1977, but the purpose remains the same: develop people, develop players, create opportunities, and positively impact our community through the game.
From four oil drums behind Parkside Elementary to generations shaped by the game. A tradition of development nearly 50 years strong.
