Gainbridge Super League

CHARLOTTE, NC (October 2, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent forward Maddie Mercado has been named to the September Team of the Month. It marks the first league honor for the loanee.

The season’s first Team of the Month also includes performances from the opening two weeks in August.

Mercado, who joined Carolina just days before the season opener against Fort Lauderdale United FC, wasted no time making an impact. She earned a starting spot immediately and proceed to score the fastest goal in league history, just 43 seconds into her debut.

Climbing into the lead 🧗‍♀️@maddiemercadoo scores the fastest goal in league history, putting @carolinaascent on the board 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙈𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙏𝙀 into the match 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wu2vVb31IS

— Gainbridge Super League (@GainbridgeSL) August 30, 2025

“We brought Maddie here to score goals and that’s what she did,” said Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole following the opener. “Maddie is an elite player, and she’s come here to play up front and find the back of the net.”

In the Ascent’s home opener against Tampa Bay Sun FC on September 6, Mercado equalized in dramatic fashion, driving 40 yards before unleashing a strike into the top corner in second-half stoppage time.

MADDIE. MAGIC. MERCADO. She is the moment ✨

1 goal = 1,000 meals donated by @FoodLion to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina pic.twitter.com/iACZXXUrDF

— Carolina Ascent FC (@carolinaascent) September 7, 2025

“As that ball’s coming out of the midfield, I knew we’d been building and we needed something to happen,” expressed Mercado after her equalizer. “So I took a ball and started driving at the back line and then, I said to myself, ‘I’m just going to shoot it’ and thankfully, it went in.”

She added her third goal of the month in a September 13 match against Sporting Jax, sparking yet another Carolina comeback. Mercado then capped off her September with an assist on Mackenzie George’s second goal against Sporting Jax on September 28.

Through the month, Mercado tallied three goals (tied for sixth in the league) and ranked third outright with 13 shots.

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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.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 21, 2025) – The USL Super League and Carolina Ascent FC announced today a new start time and date for Carolina Ascent’s away match against Spokane Zephyr FC. The match is now scheduled for Thursday, October 30 and will now kick off at 9:00 pm EST at ONE Spokane Stadium.

Carolina Ascent is back at home on Saturday, October 4 at 7:00 pm to take on DC Power FC. It is Soccer City Hoedown Night and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will be given a Carolina Ascent Cowboy Hat. Secure your tickets HERE!

View the updated 2025/26 Schedule here.

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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.

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 28, 2025) – Carolina Ascent fell in a seven-goal thriller Sunday afternoon, losing to Sporting Jax 4-3 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

The Gainbridge Super League’s newest side jumped out to a three-goal cushion. Carolina Ascent stormed back in the second half, cutting the lead to one twice, but couldn’t find another to secure a point.

Sporting Jax’s #19 Ashlyn Puerta netted a first-half hat trick for the visitors, while #10 Carolina’s #31 Mackenzie George bagged a brace and #10 Rylee Baisden added another.

It was an assault from Sporting Jax in the first 30 minutes.

The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Carolina struggled to clear their lines. #27 Paige Kenton slipped a pass across the box to Puerta, who tapped into an open net.

The Florida side continued to punish Carolina in transition, carving through the midfield with pace. A 23rd-minute turnover sparked another Jax counter, and while #10 Meg Hughes rounded goalkeeper #15 Sydney Martinez, her shot was cleared off the line by #12 Sydney Studer. Puerta pounced on the rebound, hammering home her second.

By the 31st minute, the 18-year-old winger had her hat trick, cutting inside and sneaking a finish past Martinez at the near post to put Sporting Jax up 3-0, stunning the home crowd.

Searching for a response before halftime, the Ascent broke through with a late push. #2 Brianna Martinez whipped in a driven ball that slipped through Jax keeper #1 Jamie Gerstenberg’s grasp, falling to Baisden, who slotted home her first of the season.

The timely strike provided the Ascent a crucial boost of momentum heading into the break.

That boost paid dividends immediately in the 47th minute. #18 Audrey Harding won the ball in midfield and flicked it over the top to George, just on the field as a halftime substitute. The winger sprinted away from the defense and finished past Gerstenberg for her first goal with the Ascent.

However, Jax had an immediate response four minutes later, taking advantage of loose play from Carolina. Kenton hopped on an errant pass back and in alone, finished past Martinez to make it 4-2.

In the 66th minute, Carolina made it a one-goal game again. The hosts struck on the break as #4 Maddie Mercado slipped a pass to George, whose left-footed effort deflected off Gerstenberg, hit the post, and bounced in for her second of the match.

Harding had a pair of chances in the 76th and 78th minute. She couldn’t keep her volley down from the top of the box on her first attempt. Her second came from brilliant individual play, keeping the ball in on the sideline, driving down the endline, and forcing Gerstenberg into a crucial save.

The Ascent couldn’t find another, as Sporting Jax held on for a 4-3 victory in a wild contest.

Carolina Ascent will look for their first victory of the season next Saturday as they host DC Power FC at 7:00 pm. Get your tickets HERE.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“Really disappointed with the result. Another home result that doesn’t hit the standard of our club. All in all, it’s another game of two halves. 
We weren’t good enough in the first half, but good enough to win in the second half, despite the deficit of the first half. We didn’t take our chances. At the end of the day, I think we’re scoring a good amount of goals in these games, but conceding too many in the process.”

Poole on Mackenzie’s George’s performance after coming on:

“I thought Mackenzie’s performance was great. We’ve been waiting for that. Especially on the first goal, Mackenzie is a ball carrier. She gets it at her feet and goes at her player. I mean, that’s what she’s all about. Her work rate is unbelievable.”

Rylee Baisden on the early season struggles:

“I think we’re just still building. I think we added a lot of pieces in the off season, and I think we’re still trying to get in our groove. We’re scoring a lot more goals than we did at the beginning of last season. 
So that’s a huge positive. We’re conceding a bit too much, but I think we’re still growing. I think we’ve shown a lot of resilience these last couple of games.”

Mackenzie George on her goals:

“The first goal came from a mistake, and Audrey just clipped it in behind. I just took it forward and the keeper thankfully didn’t make a save. I think it just gave us the momentum we needed. On the second, another great ball by Maddie and I was like, ‘I’ve seen so many people just take this and shoot it even if there’s no angle. 
We might as well just try that out.’ Just really good assists and just putting them away. 
I think once you get a first goal, it’s so much easier to get a second goal. You feel a little bit more confident.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 24, 2025) – Carolina Ascent lost their first match of the 2025/26 season on Wednesday night, falling to Spokane Zephyr FC 1-0.

Despite winning the shot and possession categories, Zephyr struck against the run of play through #19 Tori Waldeck Zierenberg in the first half. That goal as the game-winner as the Ascent couldn’t get one by #0 Hope Hisey.

The Ascent emerged as the better team in the first 15 minutes and manufactured the game’s first chance in the 14th minute. #31 Mackenzie George neatly turned her defender from a throw-in and from a sharp angle, sent it just wide of Hisey’s post.

Carolina Ascent earned a penalty kick in the 21st minute. It started with beautiful play out of the back. It soon found #9 Mia Corbin in space and she lifted one to a flying #7 Jill Aguilera down the wing. Last season’s Golden Playmaker cut inside and was taken down in the box.

Leading goal scorer #4 Maddie Mercado stepped up looking for another, but hit the outside of the post.

Even though the Ascent had the better of play in the half hour, it was Spokane that struck first in the 35th minute. #9 Cam Tucker played a lovely through ball and #19 Tori Waldeck Zierenberg toed it by #1 Meagan McClelland to give the visitors the lead.

Spokane took their one-goal advantage to the break.

It was another strong start in the second half from the Ascent and Mercado again narrowly missed in the 50th minute. Corbin slipped through #2 Brianna Martinez. The outside back’s centering ball to the six found Mercado, but she couldn’t keep it under the bar.

The Ascent continued searching for the equalizer. Martinez nearly scored a worldie in the 62nd minute. #14 Taylor Porter’s corner was headed away, but Martinez let fly a left-footed volley that struck the woodwork.

Again on the second ball off a Carolina corner in the 77th minute, Aguilera curled in a beauty to the back post that #5 Jenna Butler met. However, her side-foot effort went straight to Hisey.

Desperate for a goal, Carolina Ascent pushed bodies forward. After turning it over, Spokane headed the other way and got in behind. Butler tugged down Tucker from behind and was shown a straight red card.

The result stood and the Ascent dropped their first match of the campaign.

Carolina Ascent plays their second match of the week on Sunday, playing host to Sporting Jax on Sunday afternoon.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole assessing his team’s performance:

“We missed two key chances in the first half, especially the penalty. We missed an open goal in the second half. 
You can’t miss those chances and I think tonight, you look at Spokane’s chances. One clear look, one goal. Sometimes that’s just football.”

Poole on how the team will regroup without Jenna Butler on the weekend:

“We’ve got a great squad. Obviously, we saw a different role from Sydney Studer tonight. We’ve got tons of options. There’s people all over the place that can fill those roles. We’ve recruited for that reason and we can fill any hole on the pitch.”

Meaghan Nally on the ball not finding the back of the net:

“I think we put in a lot of hard work over preseason and these past few weeks. We trust it’s going to come. 
We trust in the process, and you know, on another day, we finish those chances we had tonight. I think the intensity and the effort was there, when we were in the spots. Eventually, the luck will drop with the work we’re putting in.”

Jill Aguilera on the momentum after the missed penalty:

“We’re never gonna be on top for 90 minutes, so we anticipate ebbs and flows, but I think we still felt it was coming. We felt the momentum was still with us. I think we were on top of them, even after the PK. I felt our entries in the box were dangerous and they were affecting them deeply.”

JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 13, 2025) – Carolina Ascent overcame a two-goal deficit to secure their third consecutive 2-2 draw Saturday night against Sporting Jax.

The newest side to the Gainbridge Super League got off to the strong start, but goals from #4 Maddie Mercado and #17 Alyssa Walker gained Carolina Ascent another point in the league table.

It was truly a game of two halves. For large portions of the first frame, Sporting Jax was on the front foot and jumping out to a two-goal lead had the hosts dreaming of the club’s first home victory. However, after Mercado’s late goal before halftime, Carolina Ascent played with a new vigor in the second 45 minutes and ultimately, gained a crucial road point.

Picking up where she left off, it was Mercado that nearly got the scoring started in the 5th minute. The forward got on her left foot and blasted a low shot off the woodwork.

Sporting Jax found their game and the icebreaker in the 11th minute. #19 Ashlyn Puerta headed home a fizzed cross from #20 Julia Lester for her league-leading third goal of the season.

Shortly after forward #7 Jade Pennock bent one just wide, Jax doubled the advantage. #10 Meg Hughes made a strong run forward and her low cross to the back post found #4 Maddie Kemp for her first professional goal.

The Ascent cut the lead in half with a pivotal goal before the break. Jax goalkeeper #1 Jamie Gerstenberg fumbled a #7 Jill Aguilera cross and Mercado was there to bury the loose change to equal Puerta’s league lead in the 43rd minute.

There was a clear urgency from Carolina coming out of halftime. Their press caused Jacksonville issues and their attack was a constant force in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

#10 Rylee Baisden had a glorious chance to equalize in the 56th minute. A looping cross fell to the winger on the edge of the six, and with just the keeper to beat, she put it just high.

The tying goal finally came in the 74th minute. It was a stunning turnover off a goal kick from Jacksonville. #31 Mackenzie George retrieved the giveaway and quickly fed Walker, who one-timed it home for her first Super League goal.

There were two final chances for Carolina Ascent to complete an amazing comeback.

In the 82nd minute, #8 Emily Moxley’s corner found #5 Jenna Butler’s head, but her attempt skimmed the crossbar.

As the six minutes of stoppage time dwindled down, Walker got on the end of a long ball clearance and touched it just by a charging Gerstenberg and by the post.

A third straight comeback resulted in a third straight 2-2 draw from Carolina Ascent, completing a trifecta of draws against Florida squads to begin the campaign.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the team’s performance:

“Unfortunately, it is another game of two halves. I thought we were so far away from the game in the first half, very uncharacteristic and unlike us. We’ve been starting pretty well and that was not acceptable. We were able to have some honest words at halftime and we got a much different second half and potentially enough chances to win the game.”

Poole on the momentum changing of the game:

“It was all mentality and urgency. In a game up against a good team, you can’t be passive and standoff. We adjusted our mentality and rolled our sleeves up a little bit and we saw a team much more like ourselves in the second half.”

Alyssa Walker on scoring her first Super League goal:

”Honestly it all happened so quick there wasn’t time to think, once Mackenzie won the ball it was instinctual, find the gap for the pass, hit the shot in the corner. After being out with injury for a year and a half, it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to celebrate a goal going in the back of the net. It means everything. I’m so proud to be able to celebrate that achievement with this group of girls, and for the city of Charlotte.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 6, 2025) – #4 Maddie Mercado’s highlight-reel goal in second-half stoppage time gave Carolina Ascent their second consecutive 2-2 draw Saturday night in the team’s home opener against Tampa Bay Sun.

#9 Mia Corbin opened her scoring account in the 40th minute, but Tampa equalized in the 75th minute through #35 Sydny Nasello and took the lead in the 81st through #3 Gabriella Provenzano. Mercado fired home a screamer in the 92nd minute to tie it back up.

With fans just reaching their seats following the 30-minute weather delay, Tampa Bay almost found the back of the net first.

A dangerous ball across the front of goal deflected off defender #7 Jill Aguilera on her own goal. #1 Meagan McClelland made a ten-bell save from point-blank range, denying a sure goal.

The Sun were the better side in the first 30 minutes. A typically potent Carolina attack was quieted by the visitors, with Tampa registering the only attempted shots in the half hour.

Carolina would not be silenced much longer. In the 40th minute, an #8 Emily Moxley corner kick bounced out to #14 Taylor Porter. The captain fired it back in and after multiple clearances failed from the Sun, it fell to Corbin, who dispatched it past #1 Sydney Schneider for her first goal of the season.

After Carolina started the second half well, just missing on a few set pieces, Tampa knotted things up in the 75th minute. #13 Emma Gaines-Ramos played a lovely cross across the Carolina backline and Nasello was there to finish into the top corner.

Six minutes later and the visitors suddenly took the lead. A Tampa corner flew to the back post and Provenzano’s looping header found the side netting.

Carolina upped the urgency looking for a late goal, and a moment of magic came. Mercado received the ball in her own half, drove 40 yards, and fired a rocket into the top corner, sending American Legion Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

It’s the loanee’s second goal in as many games and it couldn’t have come at a more important time. The match finished 2-2 shortly after, earning Carolina Ascent another point in the league table.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the end result:

“I think we missed the opportunity for three points. I think last week we missed an opportunity and tonight, we missed an opportunity. I’m proud of the team for showing character and having enough to come back. Again, what a great goal from Maddie [Mercado]. 
But we shouldn’t have been in that position to begin with.”

Poole on the crowd support in the home opener:

“I think to have as many people have come to the game tonight despite the long weather delay – A is fantastic and they were phenomenal the whole way through, and B – the supporters’ section tonight for me was the best it’s been. They were incredibly effective and brought us plenty of energy tonight.”

Maddie Mercado on her late equalizer:

“Part of the whole game plan was there was going to be a lot of space to run into. So, as that ball’s coming out of the midfield, I knew we’d been building and we needed something to happen. So I took a ball and started driving at the back line and then, I said to myself, ‘I’m just going to shoot it’ and thankfully, it went in.”

Mia Corbin on her goal and her relationship with Mercado:

“I enjoy being able to do that job of giving our team a goal. But again, Maddie coming in, it’s nice to take the pressure off me. It’s just been a joy working with her and making our frontline stronger. I was definitely happy to be able to put one away for the team, it was a really good feeling.”

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (August 30, 2025) – #18 Audrey Harding’s 91st minute effort saved a point for Carolina Ascent against Fort Lauderdale United FC in their season opener, finishing 2-2.

#4 Maddie Mercado started the scoring in the first minute, while Harding’s try found the back of the net nearly in the last as Carolina Ascent overcame a Fort Lauderdale second half comeback to secure a draw.

In fact, it was the fastest goal in Super League history to open Carolina Ascent’s 2025/26 goal account. It was the new loanee Mercado that neatly turned onto her left deep in the box and slipped one off the post and in with just 43 seconds on the clock.

Fort Lauderdale settled into the match, recording four shots to Carolina’s two by the 30-minute mark. It was also a physical start as the two sides combined for three yellow cards in the half hour.

Carolina Ascent came inches from making it two in the 33rd minute. #5 Jenna Butler headed one on frame off #24 Emily Morris’ corner kick. It beat Fort Lauderdale keeper #31 Bella Hara, but #11 Sh’nia Gordon saved it off the line.

A strong ending to the half from Carolina Ascent gave them a 4-0 shots on target advantage come the halftime intermission.

Carolina goalkeeper #1 Meagan McClelland made a massive save just minutes into the second half. Former Carolina Ascent player #21 Kathrynn Gonzalez curled a ball through the Carolina defense onto the foot of #3 Sheyenne Allen. One-on-one with Allen, McClelland reacted phenomenally, getting down to her right to make the save.

Gonzalez played distributor again in the 71st minute and Fort Lauderdale got the equalizer. Off a set piece, #18 Ella Simpson rose high to meet the free kick and headed home into the bottom corner for her first professional goal.

Last season’s Defender of the Year #7 Jill Aguilera made a pivotal play in the 81st minute. Fort Lauderdale’s #7 Nia Christopher was sprung in behind, but the left back caught up to Christopher just as she was about to shoot, nullifying a surefire opportunity.

Fort Lauderdale broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute. It was last season’s semifinal hero #20 Kiara Locklear getting in behind Carolina’s defense and finishing over McClelland for her second goal in as many games.

Not to be denied, Carolina Ascent piled on the pressure and tied it back up in second half stoppage time. It started with intricate passing at the top of Fort Lauderdale’s box. #22 B Hylton slipped it to Harding. Her left-footed effort headed for the far post took a sharp deflection and found near post twine.

And that would be all. The two teams shared the spoils, finishing in a 2-2 competitive draw.

Carolina Ascent will now return to Charlotte for their home opener on Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 pm against Tampa Bay Sun FC. Secure your tickets HERE!

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the overall performance:

“I think it was a game of two halves. I think in the first half, we were very good, very comfortable, had the chance to score multiple times, and didn’t put the chances away. We came out and we had to weather a storm in the second half. I thought the game got away from us, but we showed a lot of character. A game changer like Audrey [Harding] comes on and gets the business done.”

Poole on Maddie Mercado’s first start and goal:

“We brought Maddie here to score goals and that’s what she did. It was a really good save and exceptional block from Ansbrow late in the game or else Maddie could have had two or three. Maddie Mercado is an elite player and she’s come here to play up front and score goals.”

Maddie Mercado on scoring her first Carolina Ascent goal:

“It was amazing being able to get on the scoresheet quick. We were on the front foot early, which is something we’re focusing on. The team has been super welcoming and helpful in getting me up to speed with some tactical things. I’ve only been with the group for a week, so I’m really excited to keep building with the group.”

Audrey Harding on the team’s character:

“First games of any season always present challenges in that it’s the first real game that we put everything together we worked for in preseason and things aren’t always going to be perfect. It’s hard to play away too, especially against a team that knocked us out of making the final – so it was a big game for us but also them. Obviously we want 3 points every game, but to come out with one point in a hard fought game on the road, I’m proud of us. We have things to work on, but if there’s one thing about this team, we don’t give up.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 29, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC today revealed the club’s third kit for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, the Horizon Kit. Inspired by the vibrant skies and bold colors of the Carolinas, the kit will be worn during select road matches this season.

The Horizon Kit features a modern geometric design in shades of lavender, peach, and cream, symbolizing the beauty of Carolina sunsets and the limitless horizons ahead for women’s professional soccer in the region. With the primary club crest displayed proudly on the chest, the look reflects both pride in the Carolinas and ambition for the future.

The kit, produced by Capelli Sport, is highlighted by the club’s official front-of-jersey partner, Nucor, alongside other community and corporate partners who continue to support the team’s mission of building the game in the Carolinas.

Fans will get their first look at the Horizon Kit in action when Carolina Ascent kicks off their 2025/26 on Saturday night against Fort Lauderdale United FC at 7:30 pm. Pre-order your Horizon Kit HERE!

Carolina Ascent FC returns to Charlotte for their home opener on September 6 against Tampa Bay Sun FC. Secure your tickets HERE at CarolinaAscent.com.

About Carolina Ascent FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams in the Gainbridge Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league entering its second season alongside the NWSL in the women’s soccer pyramid. 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.

Partnership with tennis legend strengthens franchise momentum after award-winning inaugural season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 22, 2025) — Carolina Ascent FC today announced that Martina Navratilova, one of the most iconic figures in women’s sports, has joined the club as a minority owner. This milestone builds on a historic inaugural season, capped by Carolina Ascent’s winning one of the most prestigious awards in professional soccer, the USL Super League’s “Players Shield,” as well as the League’s 2024/25 Organization of the Year.

Navratilova, not only a tennis legend, but an inspirational leader known for her tenacity, candor and motivation, adds a new dimension to Carolina Ascent’s ownership.

“Carolina Ascent’s mission to become one of the top women’s clubs in the world resonated with me immediately. This team and its leadership are determined to compete at the highest level.  I’m excited for the opportunity to become a part of it,” said Navratilova.

“Martina Navratilova is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players in history, revolutionizing the sport with her powerful serve and aggressive playing style. That description fits well with our team’s approach to soccer,” said Dan DiMicco, majority owner of Carolina Ascent FC. “We are honored to welcome Martina to the Carolina Ascent family.”

Navratilova joins a committed ownership group that includes Dan DiMicco, Jim and Kelly McPhilliamy, and the Empower HER Fund, LLC, a woman-led investment group of community leaders. Together, this diverse ownership team is driving the Ascent’s mission to elevate women’s soccer and strengthen the Carolinas.

Since debuting in August 2024, Carolina Ascent has rapidly become a model franchise for women’s professional soccer:

● Players’ Shield winners as the league’s top regular-season team
● League leaders in attendance in their first season
● Coach of the Year, Head Coach Philip Poole
● Golden Glove, Goalie Meagan McClelland
● Defender of the Year and Golden Playmaker award winner, Defender Jill Aguilera

Carolina Ascent FC will kick off its second season at home on September 6, 2025 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. After a history-making inaugural season, the team is committed to building on its success and inspiring fans across the Carolinas.
For more information about Carolina Ascent FC, visit www.carolinaascent.com.

About Martina Navratilova
The most successful female tennis player of the Open era, Martina Navratilova amassed an unmatched number of professional records over the course of a career that spanned an amazing four decades. Legendary tennis champion Martina Navratilova is undeniably one of the greatest athletes of all time. Over a spectacular career that has spanned four decades, Martina won an unprecedented 59 Grand Slam titles, including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships, as well as 167 singles and 177 doubles championships. Her decades-long rivalry with Chris Evert is considered one of the greatest in sports history, with Martina sporting a 43-37 advantage.

Over the course of her tennis career, Martina was distinguished as the WTA’s “Tour Player of the Year” seven times, named the Associated Press’s “Female Athlete of the Year,” and declared one of the “Top Forty Athletes of All-Time” by Sports Illustrated. After being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, she continued to participate in WTA events, as well as the 2004 Olympic Games. As she approached her 50th birthday in 2006, she decided to leave the tour circuit behind after her final Grand Slam, a mixed-doubles championship with Bob Bryan at the U.S. Open. Still in phenomenal shape on the verge of 50, she became the oldest player to ever win a Grand Slam title.

Martina provides her articulate, intelligent and outspoken commentary to the Tennis Channel’s audience during its coverage of the Grand Slams. She is an ambassador for the WTA and is a regular commentator for the BBC and Tennis Channel at Wimbledon. Martina also works for Amazon Prime Video and worked for them for the first time at Flushing Meadows for the 2019 US Open. In September 2019, she also starred in the Netflix comedy drama “The Politician.”

About Carolina Ascent FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams in the Gainbridge Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league entering its second season alongside the NWSL in the women’s soccer pyramid. 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.