CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 24, 2024) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today the addition of John Lytton and Finn Devine to lead an elite sports performance training program for the Carolinas new women’s professional soccer team. Lytton will serve as Director of High Performance, along with Finn Devine as Strength & Conditioning Coordinator.
“In the world of high performance, competency is paramount,” Head Coach Philip Poole explained. “To have John and Finn in our environment every day gives us a massive competitive advantage. In the planning stages of this club, filling the high performance roles was a main priority for us.”
JOHN LYTTON, DIRECTOR OF HIGH PERFORMANCE
Lytton is the President and Founder of Performance Unlimited, a Charlotte-based sports performance company designed specifically for soccer players to help increase speed, build strength, and minimize injuries. He specializes in seamlessly merging the art and science of movement to bring young athletes well beyond their potential, as well as extending the careers of professional athletes past their prime.
“There were two definitive characteristics that drew me to this opportunity and ultimately excited me to be involved,” Lytton commented. “First, being part of Philip’s staff and working with someone who has his experience at every level of the game is enticing. Second, contributing to the story that caps the amazing progress in the women’s game by bringing a Division One professional team to my backyard is a no-brainer. I’ve had the pleasure of working with young players in Charlotte since 2008, and seeing some of these same girls, who participated in my programs years ago, now playing professionally at the top tier is why I love doing what I do. I’m incredibly proud to be directly involved in this progress.”
For over 18 years, Lytton has held team sports science positions and collaborated with top-tier professional teams such as the Carolina Panthers, national teams such as the US Youth U14-16 and England U20 National Teams, and consulted with esteemed college soccer programs including Mississippi State, Army, Texas Tech, Wingate, and Davidson. Additionally, Lytton has served as a personal coach with numerous Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Major League Soccer (MLS), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Football League (NFL) all stars and champions.
Locally, Lytton was the Head of Sports Science for the Charlotte Independence USL Championship team from 2015 to 2017. He also held Performance Consultant roles for Carolina Rapids, Charlotte Development Academy, Charlotte Eagles, and QC Mutiny.
Lytton played soccer collegiately for the University of Massachusetts and Belhaven University as he worked towards a degree in Exercise Science, allowing him to blend his studies and experience on the field to optimize athletic performance. He then began playing professionally in Brazil before pursuing his passion of transforming the sports performance industry.
Always striving for excellence, Lytton continues to enhance his expertise. He holds a license in Massage and Bodywork as well as certifications in Functional Range Conditioning, Functional Range Assessments, ELDOA, and many more. Lytton’s holistic approach, blending creativity with scientific precision, continues to redefine athlete development and elevate performance standards.
FINN DEVINE, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COORDINATOR
Working as a Sports Performance Coach for Performance Unlimited, Devine helps youth, college, and professional athletes develop their bodies so they can unleash their full potential in their sport. He is integral in coaching sessions, assessing athletes, and conducting performance testing.
“I’m extremely excited to work with the Carolina Ascent and Coach Poole and assist in the players’ physical preparation,” Devine expressed. “The experience of being a part of the high performance staff and helping develop players at the highest professional level is second to none.”
Devine understood the significance of adequate mental and physical preparation to play your best as a competitive soccer player which motivated him to pursue performance training. Previously, Devine was a trainer at the Dowd YMCA in Charlotte and has trained numerous Charlotte FC players individually.
A Charlotte native, Finn graduated from Carmel Christian School in 2021. He continues to further his knowledge to better serve athletes, achieving certifications with the International Sports Science Association (ISSA), Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, and RockTape Functional Movement Taping.
About Carolina Ascent FC:
Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial markets of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off 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 the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.
