CHARLOTTE, NC (June 17, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC today announced players who have won team awards for the club’s inaugural season.
The honors presented include Young Player of the Year, the CARES Award (Carolina Ascent Recognition of Extraordinary Service), Woman of the Year, and Player of the Year. All awards were voted on by the team, with the exception of the CARES Award, which was determined by fan vote.
Read below to see who earned each award as the day rolls along.
B HYLTON, YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Carolina Ascent has announced that B Hylton is the club’s Young Player of the Year.
“B has had a good first season at the professional level,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “B will now take the next step in her career and I am confident she will take that step in her stride. As ‘one of our own’, we are all so excited to watch this special young player develop right here in the Carolinas.”
Hylton became the first player to join Carolina Ascent on an USL Academy contract back in June 2024.
Hylton made her professional debut on August 17, 2024. She made 13 appearances this season, making history as the club’s youngest goal scorer on April 12 at 17 years, 352 days old.
Nearly a year removed from signing her Academy contract, Hylton decided to forgo collegiate soccer and become the club’s first academy player to make the leap directly to the pros.
“The fact that I’m able to play professionally in the city where I grew up, where I have the support of family, friends, as well as the amazing Carolina Ascent fans, is absolutely incredible, and I couldn’t be happier,” said Hylton after signing her contract. “I’m really excited because this is a big step forward in my career, so I’m really looking forward to next year and beyond.”
JOSIE STUDER, CARES AWARD
Carolina Ascent FC is proud to announce that defender Josie Studer has been named the recipient of the CARES Award (Carolina Ascent Recognition of Extraordinary Service), honoring her exceptional commitment to serving the community.
“Josie is an unbelievable professional,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She has been active in the community since day one during her first season with Carolina Ascent. She fully deserves this award, and it is no surprise to me that she was voted the winner by our fans.”
Recognized for her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the pitch, Studer devoted her time to several local organizations throughout the season. Her volunteer efforts included supporting animal welfare and community outreach through partnerships with Fur Babies Animal Rescue, Animal Care & Control, Stand For Animals, and Bark and Books.
“Every life matters, and I believe we all have the power to make a difference in our communities, whether that’s through compassion, action, or volunteering,” shared Studer. “This award is not just mine. It’s for every shelter worker, foster parent, rescue organization and volunteer making the world a kinder place. I’m incredibly grateful, and I’ll continue to do my part — one paw, hoof, or wing, at a time!”
TAYLOR PORTER, WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Carolina Ascent has announced that Taylor Porter is the club’s Woman of the Year.
“Taylor epitomizes what the Carolina Ascent FC Woman of the Year stands for,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “Voted on by the players – the award is centered around consistency on the field, consistency off the field, and the identification of a person who shares a huge amount of care and love for her teammates. Any award that is voted by your peers is always a bit sweeter. Our very own ‘Iron Women’ deserves this award.”
The co-captain did not miss a second of action this season, one of only four players in the league to do so. Porter led the team in interceptions (37), tackles (52), and finished tied for third in assists (4). Yet, Porter’s biggest impact may have been off the field, continually working to bring the team together and building chemistry through fun off-field activities.
“She has been unsung, but not internally. We recognize her value and we recognize her leadership,” shared Poole.
“Everybody’s the leader on this team in their own way”, shared Porter. “I lead in my own way, and other people do too. One of our first team bonding was going to Rally Pickleball, and it was really fun just to do a different sport and have a fun time and let loose. “
MIA CORBIN, PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Carolina Ascent has announced that forward Mia Corbin has been named the team’s Player of the Year.
“I think it was clear throughout our organization why Mia was voted Carolina Ascent Player of the Year. Mia had a great season on the field, but has also been a driver for us off the field,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole.
Corbin was electric throughout the year, finishing second in league-wide voting for USL Super League Player of the Year. After scoring three goals in the Fall, she caught fire in the Spring with nine more, helping vault Carolina Ascent to the top of the standings. Her 12 total goals ranked third in the league, as did her 51 total shots.
In addition to her scoring prowess, Corbin was named to the USL Super League Team of the Month five times — the most on the team — and took home Player of the Month honors in March.
Though known primarily for her attacking ability, Corbin evolved her role down the stretch, often dropping deeper to create opportunities for teammates and contribute defensively. She finished second on the squad in duels won (118) and aerial duels won (67), underscoring her all-around impact.
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 which kicked off its Inaugural Season 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 residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
