Riverton, Wyo. (January 15, 2025)- Ben Nelson and Marcus Horwood have been named the head coaches of the women's and men's soccer teams at Central Wyoming College, respectively, according to an announcement today from CWC Athletic Director and Dean of Students Steve Barlow.

"I'm very excited to have them both on board at Central Wyoming College," says Barlow. "Each one of them brings different strengths and experiences to the program. Marcus and Ben both hold a great passion for the sport of soccer, a passion they've developed during their years of both playing and coaching."

"Ben has spent the last four years here and is very familiar with Central Wyoming College, and Marcus is no stranger to the Region IX Conference or what it takes to win," adds Barlow.  "I'm looking forward to seeing these two breathe new life into their respective teams."

Born and raised in eastern Idaho, Nelson played on Central Wyoming College's men's soccer team during the 2020-2021 season before he went on a two year LDS mission to McAllen, TX, and eventually returned to Central Wyoming to finish his playing career in the 2023-2024 season. He joined the CWC coaching staff as an assistant coach for the men's and women's soccer teams during the Fall 2024 season, and helped lead the men's team to a Region IX playoff appearance. Nelson was named the interim head coach of both teams in November, 2024, and is now stepping into the full-time role of head coach for the women's soccer team. Nelson has received a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and management, as well as an associate's in business administration from CWC. 

Horwood, originally from Chesham, England, began his collegiate soccer career at Central Community College in 2017. He played there for one season and assisted coaching during the next season before transferring to Briar Cliff University in 2019, where he garnered first team All-Conference honors each of his three seasons he was there and led his team to a GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference) championship win. Horwood then joined the BCU soccer team's coaching staff for the 2022 season, and then transitioned to coaching for the Diablos Futbol Club and Dakota Valley High School. Horwood received a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology and human performance with a minor in psychology and biology, as well as a master's in leadership management from Briar Cliff University.   

The Central Wyoming College women's soccer team narrowly missed out on a playoff appearance during the 2024 season, and finished the year with a 4-8-1 overall record which landed them seventh out of 11 teams in the Region IX conference standings. 

The CWC men's soccer team finished their 2024 season with a first round playoff exit against Otero College after putting together a 3-7-3 overall record. They finished the regular season ranked sixth out of 10 teams in Region IX conference standings. 

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