Columbus East High School

Columbus, IN – February 29, 2024 – Columbus East High School proudly announces the appointment of Sam LaVelle as the new Columbus East Boys' Varsity Soccer Coach. LaVelle, a native of Columbus, Indiana, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for soccer to his new role. A Columbus North High School graduate, LaVelle played soccer at North and continued his soccer journey at Manchester University before earning a BS in Business Management from IUPUC. After graduating from college, Coach LaVelle has coached soccer at Columbus North and is currently the Juniors Director for Express, overseeing all U11-14 teams, coaches, and players. He has also helped start the Columbus Futsal League in Columbus, allowing soccer players to hone their skills in the winter. His dedication and coaching prowess were exemplified in the summer of 2022 when his 2008 Boys Orange team clinched victory in Indiana's Presidents Cup and proceeded to win US Youth Soccer's Presidents Cup Midwest Regionals, marking a first-ever advancement to the final four championships at US Youth Soccer's Presidents Cup National Championships. Speaking about his coaching philosophy, LaVelle remarked, "My greatest strength as a coach is my ability to connect with my players. Building those relationships allows you to have a positive impact on the kids that you coach. Our goal is to make our players better people through our coaching. I believe that I have positively impacted many of the athletes I have coached throughout my career." LaVelle's coaching credentials include a US Soccer Grassroots License, United Soccer Coaches Association 11v11/ Pre-National Diploma, United Soccer Coaches Association Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma, and a US Soccer D License, in addition to his USSF C License, qualifying him to coach at the college/semi-pro level. LaVelle's appointment reflects Columbus East High School's commitment to fostering excellence in athletics and providing a supportive environment for student-athletes to thrive. For media inquiries or further information, please contact David Miller, Columbus East Athletic Director at millerda@bcsc.k12.in.us.