McGrew and Franco consistently compete with youth national teams for the U.S. and Colombia, respectively

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 5, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today that forward Jaida McGrew and defender Isabella Franco joined the club on USL Academy contracts ahead of the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. 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.
JAIDA McGREW
Earlier this year, McGrew was called up for a U.S. U-17 Youth National Team training camp in January and received another call-up in April as the U-17 squad began preparations for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“Jaida is a local player with massive potential who has shown she belongs at this level,” Head Coach Philip Poole stated. “I was pleased to see her progression into the U17 U.S. National Team along with the impact she was able to have in the USL W League this summer. When a local player exceeds expectations it is our duty to recognize that and learn as much as we can about them. We watched Jaida several times before inviting her to train with us. We are really excited about what she will bring to the team.”
McGrew was a prominent member of the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League team this summer, scoring four goals and adding one assist in seven matches.
“I’m so excited to join Carolina Ascent FC for the inaugural USL Super League season,” McGrew said. “Not only that, but the chance to be able to play in the city I’ve grown up in, and surrounded by an amazing group of people Coach Poole has brought together is everything I could’ve asked for.”
At the club level, McGrew played for ECNL and Development Academy for Charlotte Soccer Academy. McGrew was awarded the 2024 Carolina Soccer Honors Club Female Player of the Year. She received ECNL National All-American recognition, earned ECNL National Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference honors three times, and was named to the ECNL National Selection Game roster in 2022 and 2023. McGrew’s five goals and four assists in six playoff matches led her team to the ECNL Finals in the culmination of the 2022/23 season.
As a junior at Providence Day School, McGrew tallied 26 goals and 14 assists as she led her team to an NCISAA 4A State Championship title. In two seasons at Mountain Island Charter School, McGrew reached 73 goals and 19 assists, featuring 57 goals as a sophomore for a 2.7 goals per game average.
ISABELLA FRANCO
Franco has made waves in the youth ranks for the Colombia Women’s National Team. In February, Franco was rostered for a pair of U17 matches against Uruguay and was then invited to train with the U19 squad for the remainder of the international window. Franco also helped the Colombian U17 team qualify for the 2024 FIFA World Cup, taking place this fall.
“We are excited to welcome Isabella to the club,” Poole commented. “Isa has had a busy last 18 months due to her inclusion with the Colombian U17 and U19 National Teams which has seen her travel significantly. Isa has shown great maturity during this process which lends itself to being able to handle the demands of being a professional athlete. Isa has shown progress and growth with Colombia and in the games she played in the USL W League for us this summer. We are really looking forward to getting her back here from Colombia and into pre-season with the team.”
The defender also competed with the Carolina Ascent USL W League team this summer and started six matches on the backline. Franco played club soccer for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club 08 ECNL team. In 2023, Franco was selected to compete in the ECNL Girls Conference Cup as one of the top rising players in the country.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play with Carolina Ascent FC this season,” Franco shared. “I’m excited to start playing and to learn and grow with my new teammates.”
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.