Hylton, the first to sign a USL Academy contract with Carolina Ascent, ranks among the region’s top rising talent
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 13, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of midfielder B Hylton to a USL Academy contract for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Hylton is the first player to join the new franchise on a USL Academy contract. Carolina Ascent FC will host the first-ever USL Super League match on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.
“We are committed to identifying young players with the highest potential, and B is absolutely a player who shows the capabilities we are looking for,” Head Coach Philip Poole said. “I am excited to see B develop in our environment and compete every day at the professional level. It is important to provide young players a pathway to meaningful professional minutes in an intentional setting and manner. I’m so thrilled for B and how she will represent high-potential young players in her community.”
The first-ever National Player of the Year (DPL), two-time DPL All-Star Selection, and 2023 DPL U19 National Champion, Hylton will compete in the 2024 DPL National Championships at the end of June for her third appearance in the national tournament in three years. Hylton was named the Charlotte Development Academy (CDA) Player of the Year twice while playing at the U19 level since she was 14 years old. The midfielder is also a three-time Charlotte FC/Carolina Soccer Honors Award Finalist for Female Player of the Year. Over the past three seasons, Hylton scored 39 goals and added 31 assists for CDA.
“I am beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to play for Carolina Ascent FC this season,” Hylton expressed. “I believe that playing with this team will provide me with the best development I can get as a young player. I consider it a privilege to be part of something which will grow the women’s game not only in Charlotte, but provide more opportunities for young players from all over.”
At the high school level, Hylton earned NCSCA All-Region, NCISAA All-State, and NCISAA First Team All-Conference honors three times along with NCSCA All-State recognition twice. In three seasons with Covenant Day School, Hylton recorded 42 goals and 26 assists.
USL Academy contracts allow Academy products at USL clubs to sign, train and compete in matches with professional senior teams without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer. This mechanism helps young players accelerate their development by challenging them and allowing them to gain experience playing with and against professionals at a young age. They also allow senior team staff to evaluate the top talent in their academies on a more frequent basis and in a professional environment, which adds another step in the pathway to professional soccer.
About Carolina Ascent FC:
Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams 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. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.
