Renée Guion returns stateside from Fortuna Hjørring; Josie Studer inks first professional contract
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 1, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of two local defenders, Renée Guion and Josie Studer, for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Both players featured for the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League team this summer in preparation for the inaugural Super League season.
Carolina Ascent FC’s Inaugural Home Opener is on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.
RENÉE GUION
Guion, originally from Simpsonville, South Carolina, spent two seasons with Fortuna Hjørring in the premier women’s division in Denmark. From the backline, she recorded one goal and one assist in the Danish Women’s Cup as Fortuna Hjørring finished runners-up. Across parts of two seasons, Guion totaled 1,514 minutes in 21 appearances, scoring four goals, in the Kvindeliga.
“As a staff, we started to track Renée very early in our recruitment process,” Head Coach Philip Poole explained. “Renée can be physically dominant, is experienced, can play in multiple positions and shows the willingness to improve. I love the fact that she was born and bred in the Carolinas. I know she will love to play in front of our fans.”
In 2022, Guion signed her first professional contract with FC Gintra in Lithuania. She went on to score her first professional goal in the club’s 6-0 win over FK Banga. Guion and FC Gintra won the Lithuanian Women’s A League, earning automatic qualification into the UEFA Women’s Champions League. During the same season, Guion competed in and won the Women’s Baltic Football League with FC Gintra.
“I am thrilled to continue my professional career back home in the states with Carolina Ascent FC,” Guion said. “It is an honor to be a part of a club and league that are working to grow women’s professional soccer in the US. I am beyond grateful that the coaching staff has given me the opportunity to participate in this inaugural season. I can’t wait to experience the high energy and excitement the Carolina Ascent fans will bring to this season.”
A four-year Tiger, Guion was an integral part of the Clemson University women’s soccer program for her entire collegiate career. She captained the team, earned All-ACC Third Team honors, was named the Tiger Newcomer Award winner as a freshman, and etched her name in the program record book for individual and team achievements. As a senior, Guion tied the program record for most assists in a single season with 13 and tied the program record for the second time in her career for most assists in a match with four against College of Charleston. Guion was crucial in Clemson’s efforts to earn the program’s first-ever perfect home record across the 2020/21 season.
JOSIE STUDER
After five stellar seasons at Louisiana Tech, Studer returns to the Carolinas on her first professional contract. Studer earned All-Conference USA honors all five years she played for the Bulldogs. She finished her career at LA Tech ranked fourth in program history in games started with 73 and second all-time with 6,678 minutes played.
“This is a special one for me,” Poole commented. “I have known Josie for a long time. I have literally watched her career develop to this point. Josie is the kind of person you want on your team and in your locker room. Josie offers us versatility in attacking and defending parts of the game. She will impact our group on and off the field.”
Additional accolades on Studer’s résumé include 2023 Conference USA Preseason Defender of the Year, 2020/21 United Soccer Coaches All-South Region recognition, 2023 Conference USA All-Tournament team selection, and two All-Louisiana Honorable Mentions. As a junior, Studer was tied for the team-lead with nine points and four goals, tying the program record for most goals by a defender. At the conclusion of her five seasons, Studer totaled seven goals and three assists from the backline, including three game-winning goals.
“Being able to come back home and play with Carolina Ascent FC where it all started means everything to me,” Studer expressed. “I am elated to work with our talented players and staff, and I am so eager to meet fans and be part of this community. I am ready to make history for the Carolinas. It’s time to climb!
Originally from Waxhaw, North Carolina, Studer played for the Charlotte Soccer Academy U.S. Soccer Development Academy team. She won the 2016 North Carolina Open Cup State Championship. From 2012-17, Studer was a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and Region 3 pool player.
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.
