CHARLOTTE, NC (May 13, 2026) – The Carolina Ascent W League team today announced their full roster for the 2026 W League season. Head Coach Brooke Bingham selected a total of 33 players eligible to compete in the squad’s 10-game schedule. Below are the selected players.
GOALKEEPERS
Bingham brings in five goalkeepers, including Furman goalkeeper Reese DeJong, who backstopped the W League team much of last season. Riley Pickels was on an academy contract with Carolina Ascent for part of 2024.
- Blythe Clark
- Reese DeJong
- Emma Kirlin
- Riley Pickels
- Elizabeth Rupert
DEFENDERS
The back line is made up of many options, including four players (Franco, Maynard, McMahon, and Wawak) who have made Carolina Ascent W League rosters in the past. Franco is currently also part of the senior Carolina Ascent team on an academy contract.
- Allison Casey
- Lily Devereaux
- Angel Fowler
- Isa Franco
- Grace Maynard
- Dempsey McMahon
- Jasmine Nixon
- Fernanda Ribeiro
- Caroline Wawak
MIDFIELDERS
A deep group was selected to man the middle of the pitch. Julia Greer from Wofford College returns for her third go-round with the W League team, while young highly-touted Blane McElroy of nearby Providence Day High School joins for the first time.
- Sadie Commerford
- Morgan Delair
- Julia Grier
- Zoie Kempf
- Blane McElory
- Aimy Nunez
- Rina Ogimoto
- Tori Paul
- Lia Puma
- Maria Rayburn
- Sarah Sexton
FORWARDS
The attacking group has strong roots within the W League team itself. Sadie Peterson and Maria Tapia led the team in scoring in 2025 (Tapia with nine goals and Peterson with seven). Tapia brings plenty of experience, playing on an academy contract with the primary squad and earning senior caps for the Puerto Rico national team this year.
- Brooklyn Broderick
- Tyler Clyburn
- Aaryn Gabriel
- Devin McElroy
- Hannah Morgan
- Sadie Peterson
- Maria Tapia
- Julia Thasaphong
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a 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.
About the USL W League:
The USL W League is a leader in pre-professional soccer in North America, developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field. The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The League and its member clubs are committed to investing in women’s soccer – through not only financial resources but also with time, energy, and attention – and are united in our mission to grow the women’s game.
