Craig Neal is an experienced soccer coach with over 20 years of involvement across youth, club, and collegiate levels. He has coached with Crew Juniors, Classic Eagles, and Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), where he also served as an assistant coach. Throughout his coaching career, he has played a key role in developing numerous players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels, demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term athlete development and success.

Experience

As a player, Neal built an accomplished career highlighted by being a four-year starter at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he earned All-American honors in his senior year. He also competed with the Columbus Crew Reserves in 2008, played in the Premier Development League (PDL) with the Toledo Slayers, and was drafted into the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) by the Detroit Ignition. His early achievements include being an ODP Region II player and earning All-State honors at Worthington Kilbourne High School.

Neal’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a commitment to both player development and enjoyment of the game. He believes that athletes improve most when they are in a positive, engaging environment that encourages creativity, confidence, and a strong understanding of the game. His approach focuses on building technical ability and tactical awareness while also fostering a genuine love for soccer. By balancing structured training with an emphasis on fun, Neal creates an atmosphere where players are motivated to grow, take risks, and reach their full potential.