Columbus East High School

The Columbus East Olympians girls soccer program is entering a new chapter with the hiring of Grace Manning as its next head coach. With a deep passion for the game and a clear vision for the future, Manning brings energy to the role. We sat down with Coach Manning to learn more about her journey, coaching philosophy, and goals for the team. Q: What attracted you to the head coaching position at Columbus East, and what does joining this program mean to you personally and professionally? Manning: I cannot remember a time in my life where soccer wasn’t a part of it. It is the spark that ignites my soul, and what attracted me to the head coaching position at Columbus East was the chance to share that very passion within a community that appreciates the beautiful game. Joining this program means a great deal to me personally, as it allows me to immerse myself fully in the sport I love. Professionally, it represents an exciting opportunity to lead and develop young athletes here in Columbus, contributing to the growth of the program and fostering that same spark in a new generation of players. Q: How have your playing experiences at the club, high school, and collegiate levels shaped the kind of coach you are today? Manning: I got the chance to play under some wonderful coaches. Most notably John Carter—former Indiana Soccer ODP Director who is sadly no longer with us. I learned a great deal from him while playing for the Indiana State team, and much of my own coaching philosophy comes from him. Additionally, the unique experience of having four different varsity coaches during my time at Bloomington North has influenced me to place an emphasis on player-centered coaching and team unity. Q: Though you’re relatively new to head coaching at the high school varsity level, what lessons from your time with Columbus Express and other coaching roles do you plan to bring to this new chapter? Manning: Columbus Express is filled with some wonderful coaches who had a lot of wisdom to provide me during my time there. This, paired with my education for the National D Coaching License, has reinforced the power of a positive and supportive environment. Players thrive when they feel valued, encouraged, and challenged to improve. While I aim to instate a relentless pursuit of excellence, I also want to foster a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning—not reasons for discouragement. Q: Can you describe your overall coaching philosophy and how you aim to build a team culture at Columbus East? Manning: My coaching philosophy for Columbus East is built on transparency and shared responsibility, aiming for a culture of excellence. Players will have a clear understanding of their roles, and we will pursue high technical standards, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Crucially, I expect every team member to give their utmost and offer support to their teammates, both on and off the field, fostering a strong sense of collective accountability. Q: What are your short-term priorities for this first season with the Olympians, both on and off the field? Manning: My short-term priorities are to quickly establish a clear and effective tactical identity on the field while simultaneously elevating foundational technical skills and match fitness. Off the field, I’ll be laser-focused on building a positive and united team culture rooted in open communication and trust, setting clear academic and behavioral standards. This initial phase is about laying a strong foundation for long-term growth and success. Q: How do you approach player development—especially helping athletes grow their skills while balancing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship? Manning: My approach is holistic. We'll focus on individual skill development while constantly tying those improvements back to team success. Each player will receive personalized feedback, but we’ll always emphasize how their growth contributes to our collective goals. Sportsmanship is foundational. We’ll actively promote respect, fair play, and integrity through consistent expectations and open dialogue. Q: What kind of relationships do you hope to build with your athletes, fellow coaches, and the greater Columbus East community? Manning: I aim to build relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and open communication. I want my players to feel comfortable approaching me both on and off the field. With fellow coaches, I’m looking forward to collaborating, learning from one another, and supporting the growth of soccer across Columbus. I also hope to reconnect the youth community with the game by promoting excitement, access, and local role models. Q: Finally, what’s something fun or unexpected about you that your future players and fans might not know yet? Manning: Players will come to find very quickly my deep-seated love for music—I’m a singer/songwriter and avid music enthusiast. Music has always helped me process emotions and bond with teammates. I have vivid memories from high school of singing on the bus after tough games—it helped us reconnect and find our strength again. During hard conditioning sessions, those same songs became our soundtrack to resilience. That spirit of connection through music is something I hope to bring to Columbus East. With a passion for the sport and a clear focus on both player development and team culture, Coach Grace Manning is ready to lead the Olympians into a promising new era. Good luck Coach Manning!!