Columbus United, launched in August 2023 by co-founders John Dale Hester, Michael Hitchcock, and their former teammates from Columbus United Youth Soccer. The club recently completed a successful Inaugural Season that saw over 2,200 fans attend the Historic Home Opener as part of the teams memorable expansion season that included an improbable playoff run where Columbus United defied all odds to travel over 6,000 miles through 5 Road Playoff games in a few weeks, that ended in the NPSL National Final Four with a loss to FC Motown in New Jersey. Columbus United proudly represented Columbus against the best NPSL teams from around the region and country; in great looking PUMA Kits that had legacy Columbus business Hughston Medical Center on the front of the jersey and Pepsi on the back of the jersey with a great sponsor family that includes Synovus, TSYS, Gatorade and AFLAC. 

Eleni Hitchcock shared her excitement for this new opportunity, "I am very excited to continue to grow my involvement with Columbus United FC as well as using the beautiful game to give back to our community! We had an amazing Inaugural Season where we created great partnerships with amazing local and global businesses, as well as working with amazing community partners. We can't wait to grow the club year after year and I am extremely thankful to our Columbus United family and fanbase! Let's go, United!"

Eleni’s soccer background includes graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in Sport Management. She has worked in sports working for global sports management company Playbook Management International where she has assisted in the launch of 10 NPSL teams as well as working in Business Operations for other clubs through Virtual Veep. Her last role was with the Lubbock Matadors (NPSL club in Lubbock, TX) where she launched the team and held the Business Operations Manager role for 3 years. The Lubbock Matadors average close to 5,000 fans per game and in 2024, won 2 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup matches before losing the USL Championship (2nd Division pro club) New Mexico United. She currently holds the Lone Star Conference Liaison role in the NPSL. She also has experience working for Learfield Sports and DC United. 

As the club’s General Manager, Hitchcock aims to further develop the Columbus United brand and add to its growing list of incredible partnerships in the Columbus area as well as creating incredible assets to give back to the community. 

Columbus United co-founders John Dale Hester and Hitch both share their thoughts.

 John Dale Hester, local partner shared, “I could not be more excited to have Eleni move to Columbus and become our General Manager.  On her first trip here, Eleni told me she could see herself calling Columbus home and I offered her a job on the spot.  It only took two years to make that a reality and not only is Columbus United going to be better for it, but so will the city of Columbus.”   

Hitch, a 28 year sports management veteran Hitch shared, "Eleni brings a great deal of lower division soccer experience and sports management expertise to Columbus United. Her work ethic and passion for community building through soccer will help Columbus United continue to grow and evolve during our second season.  Looking forward to seeing the positive community impact that Columbus United will have in 2025 under Eleni's leadership."

Stay tuned for many exciting Columbus United announcements that are coming this Fall as United prepares for the 2025 Season and hopefully, an appearance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.