Coaching & Professional Staff

Mark Wise | photographed by Julie Jackson

Mark Wise – Chief Executive Officer

Using his 20-plus years of coaching experience, Mark has built the Eagles from the ground up and runs day-to-day operations of the club. Mark holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National B coaching license, a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Advanced National Diploma and a NSCAA goalkeeping I Diploma.

Mark is an entrepreneur with over 45 years experience in business.  He is passionate about bringing professional women’s soccer to Columbus!

Tony Daniels – Head Coach – WPSL Team

With three decades of collegiate coaching under his belt, Tony Daniels steps in to steer Columbus Eagles FC through the 2025 WPSL campaign. A two‑time graduate of the University of Rio Grande (B.S. ’95, M.Ed. ’06), Tony built his reputation there—first as a 25‑year assistant with the powerhouse men’s program that won NAIA national titles in 2003 and 2015, then as head coach of the RedStorm women. In seven seasons leading the women’s side, he guided them to three River States Conference Championship Finals, produced two NAIA All‑Americans, and helped 21 scholar‑athletes excel on and off the pitch.

A players‑first coach known for attacking soccer and meticulous player development, Tony has mentored conference Players of the Year (2018, 2022) and cultivated a culture of academic excellence. He brings that same competitive edge and community spirit to the Eagles, ready to elevate our roster and energize the city’s women’s‑soccer scene.

 

Eddie Hertsenberg – Head Coach – MASLW Team

Eddie Hertsenberg – Arena Soccer Head Coach

Eddie Hertsenberg joins the Columbus Eagles FC as the head coach of our arena soccer team, bringing exceptional experience and strong ties to the Columbus soccer community. Eddie has been a key figure with the Columbus Crew Academy, where he served in various roles, including U15/U19 Assistant Coach and U17 Interim Head Coach. He is currently the U15 Head Coach for the Crew Academy, helping develop the next generation of soccer talent in our city.

With over 10 years of professional and semi-professional arena soccer experience, Eddie has competed in the PASL-Pro, MASL, and PASL leagues, tallying an impressive 51 goals and 35 assists in 66 games. His playing career also includes time with the Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) and professional stints in Germany with FC Deisenhofen e.V. and FC Ismaning e.V.

Eddie’s coaching credentials are equally impressive. He holds a USSF National “A” Coaching License, a UEFA C License from the German Football Association, and NSCAA Goalkeeping Diplomas Levels 1, 2, and 3. His leadership experience includes serving as the Girls Development Academy Head Coach for the Utah Royals, where he coached U15, U17, and U19 teams.

Now, Eddie is proud to lead the Eagles’ arena soccer team, combining his expertise and passion for growing the game here in Columbus.

Jared Shy – Assistant & Goalkeeping Coach

Jared Shy is the Assistant and Goalkeeping Coach for the Columbus Eagles FC. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Jared has led teams and developed players across all positions at youth, high school, club, and semi-professional levels.

Known for his tactical expertise and leadership, Jared has guided teams to success by focusing on individual player growth and team development. His work spans all aspects of the game, including strategy, technical skills, and fostering strong team dynamics.

As a former player at Ohio Dominican University, Jared combines his on-field experience with his coaching knowledge to create inclusive and growth-oriented environments. His coaching philosophy emphasizes challenging players to reach their full potential while maintaining a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Jared holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Lifestyle Studies with a focus on Coaching from Ohio University

Lynette Shy – Marketing

Lynette Shy, an influential leader in the arts and entertainment sector, is CEO of Confluence Arts Solutions. She is well known for her original approach to marketing, especially in the realm of live events, ticket sales, and season memberships.

Her expertise has been pivotal in conceptualizing and managing multiple Emmy Award-winning projects, demonstrating her skill in marrying creativity with practical execution. Lynette’s deep involvement in live event marketing has significantly boosted event visibility and audience engagement and consistently led to sold-out events and membership growth, showcasing her unparalleled ability to drive success and create lasting impressions.

Her deep-rooted commitment to the city of Columbus has been on display as President of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association, with conventions across the country booking her to share her expertise on marketing and selling live events. She brings that same savvy to her role as Marketing Director for the Columbus Eagles, FC as her way of supporting the advancement of women’s soccer in the city she calls home. 

Kimberly Kershaw

Kimberly Kershaw has spent 25 years in the sports and entertainment industry. She has produced and consulted on fan experience for some of the world’s leading sports organizations including the NFL, NCAA, MLS, NHL, AFL, ATP, and USSF where she provided consultation for both the men’s and women’s national teams. Additionally, she spent four years with the US Soccer Fan Council, two as Co-Chairperson, working with the Federation to improve its fan experience. Having launched more than a half dozen sports franchises, she most recently played a direct role in launching Pro Volleyball Federation, giving America’s most elite female volleyball athletes the opportunity to play professionally stateside. As the executive of production and community outreach, she oversees the fan experience for the leagues member teams as well as works to identify and partner with nonprofits that align with its mission of supporting and advancing girls and young women both on and off the playing field. Her husband JD is a founding executive for Columbus’ NHL team and together they actively work to promote Columbus as a world-class destination for sports and entertainment.

Cathy Ellwood

Cathy Ellwood is President of Ellwood Enterprises, a company she founded over a decade ago that specializes in strategic leadership development for organizations and professional coaching for individuals. Clients include top-tier CEOs, Presidents, CFOs, CROs, Controllers, and other corporate executives. Adding to that is over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry leading impactful strategic changes. Additional highly-esteemed, leadership positions such as Board Chair and President for the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association offer unique talents to lend to the development of a sports franchise. Cathy’s dedication to the growth of soccer is evidenced by the time she dedicates as a semi-professional photographer shooting nationally recognized youth soccer tournaments and serving on the Board of a nonprofit soccer league in which all profits are donated to fund scholarships for high school students. Thrilled about the prospect of bringing a professional women’s team to Columbus and fueled by her love of soccer, Cathy is committed to the opportunity to leverage her resources and business expertise to help ensure success.    

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Nicole McCray – Club Photographer

Nicole McCray is the eye behind every Columbus Eagles FC highlight. From the first whistle to the last post‑match hug, she turns the speed, grit, and joy of our matches into images that feel as alive as the moments themselves. 

A Columbus native and proud Ohio State University alumna with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Nicole founded Acorn Studios to capture stories that matter—whether they unfold under MLS Cup confetti with the Columbus Crew, during U.S. Women’s National Team friendlies, or on neighborhood pitches across Central Ohio. Her work is already a fixture on the Eagles website, match programs, and social feeds, preserving club history one frame at a time.  

Nicole’s greatest compliment is when someone says she has “captured their personality,” and that instinct shines through in every shot she takes.  

When she’s not pitch‑side you’ll find her photographing wildlife, volunteering with Special Olympics Ohio, or exploring new hiking trails—camera always in hand. Need a photographer for your own team, event, or milestone? Visit theacornstudios.com or follow @ohionicole to see more of her work and book a session.