Gainbridge Super League News

CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Ascent comes home to American Legion Memorial Stadium for the first time this season as the Tampa Bay Sun come to town. The Ascent are looking to start off the season with three straight wins for the first time in club history. Here is all you need to know ahead of the matchup.

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MATCH DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, August 29
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHO: Tampa Bay Sun FC
WHERE: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WATCH: Peacock

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HEAD-TO-HEAD

• 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent won three of the four matches against Tampa Bay Sun in the 2025/26 Season.
  • Matchups: 
    • Sep. 6, 2025 – Carolina Ascent 2-2 Tampa Bay Sun (Corbin 40′, Mercado 90+2′)
    • Mar. 13, 2026 – Carolina Ascent 1-0 Tampa Bay Sun (Lussi 53′)
    • Apr. 5, 2026 – Tampa Bay Sun 1-2 Carolina Ascent (Aguilera 29′, Nabet 45+2′)
    • Apr. 25, 2026 – Tampa Bay Sun 1-2 Carolina Ascent (Butler 84′, Aguilera 90+6′)
• All-Time
  • Carolina Ascent holds a 3-2-3 record against the Tampa Bay Sun all-time.

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THREE POINTS IN TEXAS

The Ascent finished their opening two-match road swing with a win, earning all 6 points possible on the trip. Rylee Baisden opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Reese Tappan’s long diagonal ball found Jill Aguilera at the back post. Aguilera slid the ball first-time across the mouth of goal, where a streaking Baisden tapped it in for the early lead. Carolina doubled the lead 20 minutes later when Mackenzie George charged down the right wing and squared it for Audrey Coleman, who roofed her finish from six yards out. Dallas responded swiftly after the restart through Jasmine Hamid via a Camryn Lancaster cross to halve the Ascent lead just three minutes into the second half. Carolina put a bow on it in the 75th minute, when B Hylton’s pressure forced Sydney Cheesman to turn it into her own net as the match finished 3-1 in favor of the Ascent.

Carolina has now won eight straight road regular season matches, extending their Gainbridge Super League record.

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LAST ONES STANDING

Philip Poole and Denise Schlitte-Brown are the only two remaining managers from the Gainbridge Super League’s inaugural season.

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SCOUTING TAMPA BAY

Tampa Bay Sun opened up their Fall campaign with a 1-1 draw away against Dallas Trinity after a stoppage time goal by Tori Waldeck salvaged a point for the visitors.

The Sun then traveled to inner-state rival Sporting Jax for matchday two, and even took a lead into the break via a Shea Connors goal in the 35th minute. They then conceded three goals in the second half, as a late Jordan Zade goal was not enough to salvage a point in a 3-2 loss. Tampa Bay now travels to the Queen City for their third consecutive away match to kick off the season. The Sun are looking to buck their trend of dropping points and right the ship after a disappointing 8th-place finish last season.

Sydny Nasello won Gainbridge Super League Player of the Week after her strong performance in Jacksonville.

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“ASCENDING” – EPISODE 1 OUT NOW

Follow our documentary series all season long on our YouTube Channel! Episode One is now live.

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Saturday opens Carolina Ascent’s home account as Tampa Bay Sun FC comes to town. Prepare for a fun-filled night ahead with our Know Before You Go.

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GIVEAWAY

Be the first in the building to receive a Nucor Special Youth Jersey giveaway, available while supplies last. Gates open at 5:30 PM.

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BASE CAMP BASH – 3:00-5:30 PM

PARKING

Parking is $15 in all lots if you do not have a parking pass.

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TRANSPORTATION

In addition to the parking options in the CPCC garages, American Legion Memorial Stadium is also located near multiple stops on the CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar route: CPCC and Elizabeth/Hawthorne.

Ridesharing options are also available. Fans are encouraged to utilize these options to return home safely. Please don’t drink and drive.

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SEATING

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PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

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DALLAS, TX (August 22, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC continued their strong showing away from home, defeating Dallas Trinity FC 3-1 on Saturday night.

Carolina Ascent made the most of its opportunities against Dallas, converting three of four shots while Sydney Martinez delivered a standout performance in goal to secure the result. The victory marked a historic milestone, as Carolina became the first club in Gainbridge Super League history to reach 30 regular-season wins.

Dallas controlled possession through the opening 10 minutes, but Carolina’s defense held firm and allowed no shots, with Dallas’ only threat coming from a corner earned after Jasmine Hamid found space at the top of the box in the third minute.

Dallas finally generated its first shot on goal in the 12th minute when miscommunication between Reese Tappan and Addisyn Merrick allowed Onyeka Gamero to race down the left side. Martinez was there to make the save, keeping Dallas off the board.

Carolina remained organized defensively, clearing a dangerous free kick from right outside the box in the 16th minute.

The Ascent created their first real chance in the 21st minute after forcing a giveaway at the top of the box. Rylee Baisden picked up the loose ball but sent her effort just wide.

Two minutes later, Carolina found the breakthrough. Tappan delivered a long switch to find Jill Aguilera behind the back line, and Aguilera volleyed across to Baisden at the right side of the six-yard box. She made no mistake, burying her chance to give Carolina the lead.

Dallas continued to search for an equalizer, but Martinez handled an effort from Camryn Lancaster in the 31st minute before Carolina’s defense again denied Trinity space behind the back line.

Carolina doubled its advantage in the 43rd minute when Mackenzie George chased down a ball sent behind the back line, fought for position, and looked across the goal to find Audrey Coleman with space in the six-yard box. Coleman finished the chance for her first goal of the season.

Carolina went into halftime with a 2-0 lead, making the most of its limited chances by converting both of its shots on goal.

Dallas came out firing to start the second half and quickly cut into Carolina’s lead. In the 48th minute, Aguilera turned the ball over, allowing Lancaster to pick it up and find Hamid, who calmly slotted the finish home.

Dallas continued to apply pressure over the next several minutes, sending wave after wave toward the Carolina defense.

The Trinity nearly found another in the 59th minute when Cyera Hintzen picked out Gamero with space inside the box. Gamero kept her effort low, but Martinez was there again to make the save.

Martinez was called into action once more in the 63rd minute. After Emily Morris conceded a foul just outside the box, Dallas quickly took the free kick looking to catch Carolina off guard, but Martinez stretched fully to keep the effort out and preserve the lead.

Moments later, Gamero found herself alone with Martinez, but the Carolina keeper came up with a huge save before Tappan followed with a goal-line clearance to deny what looked to be a certain goal.

In the 75th minute, Baisden found Merrick on the goal line, then cut the ball back across the face of the goal, where B Hylton pressured a Dallas defender, who turned it into their own net to extend Carolina’s lead to 3-1.

With the victory, Carolina became the first team in Gainbridge Super League history to reach 30 regular-season wins.

The Ascent now return to American Legion Memorial Stadium for a fun-filled home opener Saturday, August 29 against Tampa Bay Sun FC. Tickets are available here.

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Post-Game Quotes

Head Coach Philip Poole on taking advantage of chances:
“We knew that we would have to soak up some pressure, as they’re a very possession-oriented team with some really technical players, and we did. We hit twice in transition in the first half. That’s what it was about for us — understanding that we would have some transitional moments, and the players took them very well.”

Poole on taking six points on the road and now coming home:
“D.C. and Dallas are both good teams and have recruited well, so to go on the road and pick up six points is very important. Now, we just shift the focus to the next opponent. I’m happy to get back to American Legion Memorial Stadium and play in front of our fans.”

Audrey Coleman on her first goal of the season:
“It was great to get on the scoresheet, finally as Coleman. But that goal was all credit to Mackenzie [George]. She fought off that defender and played an amazing ball in the box to me. It’s something we work on in training, so it’s nice to have that show in a game.”

Rylee Baisden on grabbing two wins on the road to begin the campaign:
“I think getting 6 points is such a boost for us. Gaining confidence on the road early in the season is always a positive for us. We have such a great group and our biggest strength is the depth and quality within our squad. I know we are all excited to get 3 points at our home opener this next weekend.”

CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Ascent continues its season-opening road swing Saturday night, traveling to Texas to take on Dallas Trinity FC. The Ascent will look to make it two wins from two before returning to Charlotte for their home opener. Here is all you need to know ahead of the matchup.

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MATCH DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, August 22
TIME: 8:30 PM
WHO: Dallas Trinity FC
WHERE: Cotton Bowl Stadium (Dallas, TX)
WATCH: Peacock, WCCB Charlotte

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HEAD-TO-HEAD

• 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent won two of the three matches against Dallas Trinity in the 2025/26 Season.
  • Matchups:
    • Dec. 13, 2025 – Dallas Trinity 1-0 Carolina Ascent
    • Feb. 21, 2026 – Carolina Ascent 2-0 Dallas Trinity (Studer 26′, 63′)
    • Apr. 19, 2026 – Dallas Trinity 0-1 Carolina Ascent (Baisden 89′)
      • Carolina Ascent clinched their second consecutive playoff berth with this win
• All-Time
  • Carolina Ascent holds a 2-3-1 record against Dallas Trinity all-time.

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SEASON-OPENING WIN AT DC

Mia Corbin extended her all-time club lead in goals with a 36th minute header that stood up in the lone goal last Saturday in the Super League’s opening match. The forward-turned midfielder darted into the box unmarked and was found perfectly by Addisyn Merrick to break the deadlock. At the back, Sydney Martinez made seven saves and secured her eighth shutout with Carolina, while defender Reese Tappan earned the start, making her Ascent debut.

Carolina has now won seven straight road regular matches, setting a new Gainbridge Super League record.

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FIRST TO 30?

A win over Dallas Saturday night would be the 30th regular season win in Carolina Ascent history – a feat that no other club has accomplished.

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SCOUTING DALLAS

Dallas Trinity opened the Fall campaign with a 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC at the Cotton Bowl. Orlando Pride loanee Seven Castain opened the scoring four minutes into the second half in her Dallas debut, but Trinity was denied all three points by a Tampa Bay equalizer in second-half stoppage time.

Dallas enters the season under new head coach Lee Nguyen, the former U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder who previously served as an assistant in the NWSL. Nguyen takes over a significantly revamped roster as Trinity looks to remain one of the league’s contenders after reaching the playoffs in each of its first two seasons. The Cotton Bowl has historically provided Dallas with a strong home-field advantage, although Trinity is just 2-3-4 across its last nine matches there dating back to last season.

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CHARLOTTE, NC (August 21, 2026) – The England Football Association today announced that Carolina Ascent FC midfielder B Hylton has been named to England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Hylton, 19, earns her place on the final World Cup roster after being a consistent presence with England throughout the tournament’s buildup. The midfielder has been called into each of England’s preparation camps in 2026, including the team’s final pre-tournament camp in Portugal earlier this month, where she played all 90 minutes.

The selection marks the latest milestone in Hylton’s rapid rise through the England youth national team setup. Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Hylton has earned six call-ups with England across the U-19 and U-20 levels. She netted her first international goal with the Young Lionesses in March, scoring against the Netherlands.

“We are all delighted for B,” Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach Philip Poole said. “I know she is proud to play for England and understands how important this step is for her young career. She deserves this opportunity based on the work she has put in.

“B is ‘one of our own,’ born and raised in the Carolinas, and we are all excited to see her back in an Ascent jersey upon the conclusion of the World Cup. While we are keen for the USA to do well, we will all be watching one of our own represent England over the next few weeks.”

Hylton is the first professional player in Carolina Ascent history to earn a World Cup call-up while on the club’s roster. Goalkeeper Molly Vapensky previously earned a call-up to the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with the United States while playing for Carolina on an academy contract.

The locally grown Charlotte product made 11 appearances for Carolina Ascent during the 2025/26 season after becoming the first player from the club’s academy pathway to sign a professional contract.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5-27. England has been drawn into Group B alongside Brazil, Tanzania and Canada.

England will open group-stage play against Canada on September 5 before facing Brazil on September 8 and Tanzania on September 11. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-place finishers, will advance to the Round of 16. All of England’s group stage matches will be available to watch on Fox Sports 2.

Carolina Ascent wishes B the best as she embarks on this special opportunity to represent her country on the world stage.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

WCCB to Broadcast All 14 Games throughout the Fall 2026 Season

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 17, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC is proud to announce today WCCB-TV as the team’s exclusive Charlotte television partner.

The 2026 Fall Season premiered on Aug. 15, with the Ascent traveling to Washington, D.C. to face DC Power FC, winning 1-0. The team’s first home match of the season is scheduled for Aug. 29, against Tampa Bay Sun FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. “WCCB is excited to partner with Carolina Ascent FC to bring the games to local television,” said Beverly Bahakel, president and CEO of Bahakel Communications. “Soccer is a huge fan favorite in the Carolinas, and our WCCB team members are dedicated to empowering women and supporting women’s sports. WCCB is the only locally-owned television station in the Charlotte region, providing the best in top-quality sports content on all platorms,” said Bahakel.

“Partnering with WCCB is an important step in making Carolina Ascent FC more accessible to fans across our region, providing an opportunity to experience our players, Club and professional women’s sports overall,” said Margaret Gramann, president of business operations for Carolina Ascent FC. “We are especially proud to partner with a locally owned and operated Charlotte company that shares our commitment to women’s sports and our community,” Gramann added.

The season continues Aug. 22, as Carolina is back on the road to take on Dallas Trinity FC. The team returns to Charlotte on August 29 in a matchup with Tampa Bay. The full broadcast schedule is now available HERE.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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 WCCB and Bahakel Sports

WCCB and Bahakel Sports are owned and operated by Bahakel Communications in Charlotte. Bahakel Communications was founded by Cy N. Bahakel in 1947 and operates four television stations: WCCB Charlotte, WOLO Columbia, SC, WFXB Myrtle Beach, SC, and WAKA Montgomery, AL.

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WASHINGTON D.C. (August 15, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC opened the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season with a 1-0 win over DC Power FC Saturday night at Audi Field.

Mia Corbin scored the lone goal in a match where DC Power held control. Carolina Ascent’s all-time leading scorer notched another, earning her 18th for club, from a header delivered by Addisyn Merrick in the 35th minute. Sydney Martinez continued her strong play from last season, making six saves and earning her first clean sheet of the campaign.

Carolina wasted no time putting pressure on DC Power in the opening minutes. Rylee Baisden forced Katherine Cappelletti into a save within the first two minutes with a right-footed strike that nearly found the top corner. Merrick then looked to find Shea Groom at the back post, but the chance was unable to find the back of the net.

DC took control of the match following early looks, leading both possession and shots until the 35th minute. Carolina put the pressure back on, putting numbers in the box.

A pair of opportunities went unfinished for the Ascent, both from Merrick deliveries into the box.

Carolina found the breakthrough in the 35th minute when Corbin opened the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season scoring with a beautiful header off a Merrick delivery that snuck inside the post. The goal marked Corbin’s 18th for the club and tied her for second place on the league’s all-time scoring list.

The Ascent weathered the first half, making the most of one opportunity to be ahead at the half.

DC Power came out relentlessly after the break, but Martinez was up to the task, denying Tatum Thomason early to preserve the lead.

The Ascent continued to create chances of their own, with Mackenzie George and Audrey Coleman each getting behind the DC back line for one-on-one opportunities, while Emily Morris was denied from close range by Cappelletti.

DC nearly found an equalizer in the 82nd minute, but the goal was ruled offside. The Power continued to apply pressure late, including a dangerous deflection in the 87th minute that Martinez reacted quickly to keep out.

Carolina weathered wave after wave of pressure over the final 15 minutes, with Martinez and the Ascent defense standing firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points. Martinez picked up her first clean sheet of the season, notching six saves against the Power.

Carolina Ascent will be back on the road next week when they face Dallas Trinity FC at 8:30 p.m. ET in Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Post-Game Quotes

Head Coach Philip Poole on the match:

“DC is a very difficult place to come and a very good opponent, with a good team, so we knew you were going to be in for a battle tonight. I don’t think we started the game particularly well. We weathered a storm for about 20 to 25 minutes and then were able to make a few changes and get some control.”

Poole on Sydney Martinez’s performance:

“She comes up big from crosses and corners and helps us to take pressure oftentimes. She did exactly what I think she’s capable of.”

Mia Corbin on the first win of the season:

“It definitely feels good to get the first 3 points on the road. Going in, our plan was just to earn it tonight. DC is always a tough opponent, so to secure the win is huge for us to get the momentum going this fall. I’m happy I was able to do my job tonight to help my team win.”

Reese Tappan speaks on her first appearance with the club:

“I’m super excited and grateful to get my first start with this group. We’ve worked so hard this preseason, and it feels so good to see it pay off. This team has made me feel right at home, so it gave me confidence going into tonight.”

CHARLOTTE, NC – The 2026 Fall Season has arrived, and Carolina Ascent begin their 14-match campaign on the road at DC Power on Saturday night. Here is all you need to know ahead of the matchup.

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MATCH DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, August 15
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHO: DC Power FC
WHERE: Audi Field (Washington D.C.)
WATCH: Peacock

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HEAD-TO-HEAD

• 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent won three of the four matches against DC Power in the 2025/26 Season.
  • Matchups:
    • Mar. 17 – DC Power 0-1 Carolina Ascent (Lussi 79′)
    • Dec. 20 – Carolina Ascent 0-0 DC Power
    • Nov. 21 – DC Power 0-1 Carolina Ascent (Baisden 57′)
    • Oct. 4 – Carolina Ascent 3-2 DC Power (George 14′, Mercado 16′, Walker 84′)
• All-Time
  • Carolina Ascent is unbeaten against DC Power all-time, holding a 6-0-2 record.

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A RETURNING ROSTER

Carolina Ascent made just two additions to the squad that reached the club’s first Gainbridge Super League Final last season. The Ascent return 20 players as they look to build on the consistent success established over the club’s first two seasons.

Both newcomers arrive from former Super League side Spokane Zephyr FC, with goalkeeper Hope Hisey and defender Reese Tappan joining the Ascent. Hisey comes to Carolina following a historic first two seasons between the posts for Spokane, earning Super League Goalkeeper of the Year honors in each campaign while setting league records for saves and shutouts. Tappan adds further quality and versatility to an already strong backline, with the ability to play both center back and outside back. The defender earned All-League Second Team honors following the 2025/26 season.

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PREPPING FOR THE POWER

DC Power enter the 2026 Fall Season looking to build off an 8-11-9 record and 33-point campaign in 2025/26, falling just short of the playoffs. The Power return plenty of attacking firepower, with each of their top three goal scorers from last season back in the nation’s capital. Gianna Gourley led the way with eight goals, while Alyssa Walker and Loza Abera each added seven. Captain Susanna Fitch also returns alongside defenders Sydney Cummings, Claire Constant and Paige Almendariz, as well as midfielders Anna Bagley and Emily Colton.

DC strengthened its roster during the offseason with several notable additions, including Tyler Lussi, Emma Jaskaniec, and Sarah McCoy. Friday’s matchup will also feature a pair of familiar faces for Carolina Ascent, with both Lussi and Walker having previously suited up for the club last season.

Carolina will look to do what they did so often in 2025/26 – win on the road. The Ascent was one of the league’s best road teams during the past campaign, going 9-2-3 away from home for the second-most road victories in the regular season, and added a playoff road win to boot.

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B Hylton Earns England U-20 Call Up for Stateside Fixtures

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CHARLOTTE, NC (August 5, 2026) – The England Football Association has named Carolina Ascent FC midfielder B Hylton to the England U-20 Women’s National Team for a 24-player camp in Portugal this month.

This camp is the fourth and last camp of preparation prior to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in September. England will take on Portugal, the World Cup hosts, at Cidade do Futebol in Lisbon on Thursday, August 13.

England has been drawn into Group B of the U-20 World Cup alongside Brazil, Tanzania, and Canada.

Hylton has been called into every preparation camp, setting herself in a strong position prior to the upcoming tournament. In the last U-20 camp in July, Hylton scored against Apex College in a scrimmage while the team was in Atlanta.

The call-up is Hylton’s sixth with England since the start of the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old made 11 appearances for Carolina Ascent last season, continuing her development after becoming the club’s first academy player to sign a professional contract.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.