The Columbus Crew announced on Tuesday afternoon that the Club has signed Columbus Crew 2 and academy player Cole Mrowka to a first-team contract. Mrowka is the 22nd homegrown player in Club history, with his contract running through 2026 with Club options for 2027 and 2028.

Mrowka began his journey with the Crew in July 2022, beginning with the Crew academy. Mrowka started all games at the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup with the U-17s, tallying one goal and helping Columbus reach the semifinals. Mrowka made his MLS Next Pro debut at 16 years old against FC Cincinnati 2 on August 14, 2022.

He signed a contract with the Capybaras almost a year later, appearing in 24 matches (15 starts), tallying two goals, and tied for the team lead in assists (five). Mrowka was named MLS Next Rising Star of the Matchday twice for his performance on Matchdays 6 and 14 while also being selected to participate in the 2023 MLS Next All-Star Game.

The Crew product scored his first professional goal against Inter Miami CF II, helping Crew 2 comeback to win against the Herons. His goal was also voted the MLS Next Pro Goal of Matchday 6.

“Cole is a talented player, and we are impressed by his drive to improve and develop since joining the Club. This signing is a credit to Cole’s hard work and the Crew Academy’s efforts to identify talent and develop individuals as they progress through the player pathway from the Academy to Crew 2 and now the First Team. We look forward to continuing to work with Cole and help him reach his full potential,” said President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko.

Mrowka featured with the Crew academy in the UPSL National Fall Playoffs Round of 16 matches when the Crew took on Chicago Nation FC at Historic Crew Stadium. Mrowka scored the equalizer in the 66th minute, sending the game into extra time before winning after a penalty kick shootout.

He then scored the game-winner in the National Quarterfinals against Ole FC in December, helping send the Black & Gold to the National Finals in California.

Mrowka joins Taha Habroune, Keegan Hughes, Aidan Morris, and Sean Zawadzki as the five Crew Academy products on the Club’s current roster.