CHARLOTTE, NC (December 22, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC today announced that the club has completed a permanent move for defender Brianna Martinez, following her initial loan stint from NWSL side Orlando Pride SC.
Martinez, who joined Carolina ahead of the 2025 campaign, quickly emerged as an important piece of Carolina’s back line. The defender has started 11 matches, logging over 1,000 minutes across the first half of the season.
“We are delighted to secure Bri for the rest of the season,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She has been such an important player for us from the moment she arrived. Bri has had an equally impressive impact off the pitch and in the community.”
During her time on loan, Martinez has ranked among the team’s leaders, ranking top five on the team in clearances, blocks, crosses, and key passes completed.
On October 18 at Brooklyn FC, Martinez opened the scoring, burying a rebound for her first professional goal in a 2-1 victory.
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
