CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 29, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the addition of Lane Davis as Goalkeeper Coach on Head Coach Philip Poole’s technical staff for the inaugural 2024-25 season. Davis brings over 30 years of coaching experience to the club with 21 years at the collegiate level.
“Lane is yet another important addition to our coaching staff,” Poole said. “We have been very deliberate by hiring the best people who have strong connections to the Carolinas. Lane brings such a high level of experience and professionalism to the Ascent. We can’t wait for him to get started.”
Davis joins Carolina Ascent FC after eight years as an Assistant Coach with the Duke University women’s soccer team. He coached two goalkeepers to First Team All ACC Goalkeeper honors in 2017 and 2021. Davis was instrumental in the development of goalkeeper Ruthie Jones, a Charlotte, NC native. She helped Duke register 35 shutouts in a span of three years to go along with three straight NCAA Quarterfinal appearances. In 2021, Jones led the conference in save percentage (.833) and goals against average (0.54) during the 2021 regular season.
In 2017, Davis was integral in building one of the best defensive seasons in program history in 2017 as the Blue Devils broke 13 school records and reached the program’s fourth NCAA College Cup. Duke goalkeeper EJ Proctor set the school record for shutouts (18) and ACC shutouts (9) and did not concede a single goal during the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils’ coaching staff was the first in program history to be named the United Soccer Coaches National Staff of the Year following the 2017 season.
“I moved to North Carolina 8 years ago because of its importance to women’s soccer in the United States and the quality of players in the region,” Davis explained. “I look forward to working with ownership, Philip, and everyone at Carolina Ascent FC in continuing to grow the women’s game at the professional level. This is an important moment for the development of the club. We will establish an identity that will inspire the city of Charlotte and win trophies.”
Before venturing to the Carolinas, Davis was an Assistant Coach with the Saint Joseph’s women’s soccer team. During his three seasons in Philadelphia, Davis’ goalkeepers totaled 22 shutouts as the Hawks made back-to-back A10 conference tournament appearances.
Davis also served as a goalkeeper coach for UMBC; The George Washington University; University of California, Riverside; Missouri State University and the University of Kansas. While at KU, the Jayhawks reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament in 2003 and won the program’s first Big XII title in 2004.
Since 2019, Davis has been a Talent ID scout for U.S. Soccer, identifying prospective talent for the country’s Youth National Teams. He holds the UEFA B and UEFA Goalkeeper B licenses through the Scottish FA, and the National A, National Goalkeeping License, and Talent License from US Soccer. Davis is currently working towards the UEFA A License.
Davis earned his Master’s of Education in Sport Administration from Kansas University in 2002 and his undergraduate degree from Wichita State University in Physical Education in 1999.
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.
