CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 3, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of defender Annika Creel for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Creel played for Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) before winning the 2023 USL W League National Championship with Indy Eleven. 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.
“Annika is an important player for us who brings passion, grit, and the ability to defend,” Head Coach Philip Poole said. “Her experience and willingness to direct on the field shows she is capable, and more importantly willing, to lead a defensive unit. Annika has a coach’s mentality on the field, and that is a major reason we signed her. I know she will make an impact on and off the pitch for us this season. As a person, I am certain Annika will be an asset to this team and our community.”
Creel’s professional journey began in Sweden where she signed with Göteborg FC. She then joined Sunnanå SK on loan during the 2020 transfer window. Creel spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Houston Dash and re-signed with the Dash for 2023. She also joined NJ/NY Gotham for a stint before heading to Indianapolis where she won the 2023 USL W League Championship with Indy Eleven. Creel contributed to the backline which only allowed six goals and earned 10 shutouts en route to the team’s second consecutive division title and a 12-1-1 record.
“I am beyond thrilled to join Carolina Ascent FC and be part of the inaugural USL Super League season,” Creel shared. “Carolina Ascent FC embodies a family culture with a competitive championship mindset, and it is an honor to play for a team with such passionate coaches and supportive staff. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity they have given me. I can’t wait to meet the amazing fans who make this city so special and proudly represent Carolina Ascent on and off the field. I am excited to contribute to the team’s success and make unforgettable memories with everyone involved in the Carolina Ascent family.”
A three-year Bulldog, Creel was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team in all three seasons. She started 53 of the 55 games she appeared in and helped secure 31 clean sheets while also adding five goals and two assists. Other honors in Creel’s collegiate career include 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team, 2018 All-East Region Second Team, and 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region First Team.
Prior to her time at Butler, Creel played the 2016 season at the University of Connecticut as the Huskies earned an NCAA Tournament berth.
Originally from Zionsville, Indiana, Creel played four years of varsity soccer at Zionsville Community High School where she was a High School All-American and the MVP of the High School All-American game.
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.
