Gainbridge Super League News

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 28, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today that the club has signed NWSL veteran midfielder Shea Groom.

Groom, 32, brings 11 seasons of top-flight experience to Charlotte, having made 171 NWSL appearances across her professional career. Most recently, she played for Chicago Stars FC in 2025, appearing in 14 league matches.

“Shea is a top player who is a massive signing for Carolina Ascent,” said Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She is going to have a big impact throughout the club and the community. I am personally looking forward to watching her show her qualities in front of our amazing fans at American Legion Memorial Stadium.”

Groom began her professional career after being selected 12th overall by FC Kansas City in the 2015 NWSL College Draft and helped the club capture the NWSL Championship that season. After the organization ceased operations, she was traded to Sky Blue FC in 2018 before stops with Seattle Reign FC (2019), Houston Dash (2020), and Chicago, which she joined as a free agent in 2024.

“I’m excited to continue my career and be able to help build a club that has already accomplished so much,” expressed Groom. “What’s happening here is special and I feel privileged to be a part of this story. I can’t wait to write more history here in Charlotte.”

At the collegiate level, Groom starred at Texas A&M University from 2011–14, recording 41 goals in 84 appearances and earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2014.

Internationally, Groom has made three appearances with the U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team and has earned a senior national team call-up.

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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 (January 26, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today a new partnership with vivenu, naming the global ticketing technology company as the club’s “Official Ticketing Partner” ahead of the Spring season.

With the launch of the new ticketing platform, single-game tickets for the Spring will go on sale Tuesday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. EST.

vivenu is an API-first ticketing platform built for modern sports organizations, giving clubs full control over branding, data ownership, and the fan purchasing experience. The partnership will introduce a fully white-labeled ticket shop for Carolina Ascent supporters, along with faster checkout, mobile-optimized tickets, and deeper integration with the club’s digital platforms.

“This partnership is a great example of what modern ticketing should look like” shared Travis Smith, Regional Vice President of Sports and College Partnerships, North America. “Data ownership and decision-making belong with the clubs, and our role is to give teams the ability to stay fully in control while enhancing the fan experience through intuitive, connected ticketing journeys. We’re excited to partner with Queen City SC, supporting both Charlotte Independence and Carolina Ascent, and be part of the momentum Charlotte is building around USL soccer.”

Fans can expect a simpler ticket-buying process, seamless mobile access and transfers, and greater flexibility for add-ons, special offers, and future upgrades—all powered by user-friendly, mobile-first technology that keeps ticket accounts directly connected to the club.

“This partnership shows a continuous commitment to improving our fan experience and gives us a great new platform to be more fan-focused as we continue to grow our brand and outreach to the Charlotte communities,” shared Randy Campbell, Carolina Ascent’s Vice President of Marketing.

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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, N.C. (January 26, 2026) – OrthoCarolina and Tryon Medical Partners are proud to announce that both organizations will serve as the “Official Healthcare Providers” of Carolina Ascent FC, Charlotte’s professional women’s soccer team. OrthoCarolina physicians will provide the orthopedic care for Carolina Ascent players, while Tryon Medical Partners will provide them with comprehensive primary care and women’s healthcare. 

The partnership will take effect immediately to ensure Carolina Ascent players are in top form to take the pitch when the spring half of the season begins on January 31, 2026. More information is available on the websites of OrthoCarolina and Tryon Medical Partners.

“Whether an amateur or a professional, OrthoCarolina has a rich history of caring for and treating female athletes,” said Leo Spector, MD, with OrthoCarolina. “So, it’s only fitting we are supporting the Ascent. And collaborating alongside Tryon Medical Partners brings two of Charlotte’s most exceptional homegrown healthcare organizations together to support a professional women’s soccer club.”

“Tryon is excited to partner with fellow independent practice, OrthoCarolina, to bring the same patient-focused care to the Ascent players that our current patients enjoy,” said Robert Brownlee, MD, president of Tryon Medical Partners. “In addition to award-winning primary care, Ascent players now have access to the Tryon Women’s Center for specialized gynecology and sexual healthcare, as well as the other specialties within Tryon that will help address the whole health of the player and optimize their performance.”

Philip Poole, head coach of Carolina Ascent FC, agrees. “We are delighted to partner with OrthoCarolina and Tryon Medical Partners to give our players best-in-class healthcare. We strive to ensure that our care is at the most professional level available. OrthoCarolina and Tryon Medical Partners have blown us away with their quality, attention to detail, and undoubted ability to correctly manage a professional team. I am delighted to call both true partners in every sense of the word.”

OrthoCarolina has dedicated physicians and physician assistants to provide Ascent players with orthopedic care. Along with primary care and women’s healthcare, Tryon Medical Partners will also assign a nutritionist to the team. In addition to the above medical services, both organizations will also provide pre- and postseason screenings and attend all home matches. They will also make weekly visits to the team’s training facility to assess players’ health and injuries during training camp and in-season.

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About OrthoCarolina

Since 1922, OrthoCarolina has been a distinguished and reputable physician-owned and physician-led orthopedic practice that prioritizes delivering exceptional patient-centered care and pioneering solutions. An industry leader in orthopedic treatment, research, and education, they provide world-class musculoskeletal care across the Carolinas with 40+ locations and nine Orthopedic Urgent Care Centers. OrthoCarolina consistently pushes the boundaries of medical advancements and actively contributes to the training of new specialists, while working to enhance accessibility to unparalleled orthopedic care. Learn more at orthocarolina.com.

About Tryon Medical Partners

Tryon Medical Partners is an independent medical practice dedicated to maintaining trusted patient-doctor relationships, providing excellent and innovative care, and giving patients the choices in healthcare that they deserve. The physicians who comprise Tryon Medical Partners practice primary care (internal medicine and family medicine), cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynecology and sexual health, rheumatology, and sleep medicine. Learn more at tryonmed.com. 

About Carolina Ascent FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league that 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.

Former Duke Blue Devil inks deal prior to Spring restart

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 23, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today the signing of midfielder Lily Nabet, pending league and federation approval.

Nabet most recently featured for Fort Lauderdale United on loan this season, making nine appearances and recording one assist while earning a league Team of the Month honor in November. Prior to her loan, she totaled 47 appearances in all competitions for NWSL side Angel City FC after being selected with the 36th pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft.

“Lily has joined us at a pivotal time in the season to strengthen our core group,” said Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “Bringing her back to the Carolinas was an easy decision. She will add energy to our midfield and fit right into our locker room.”

A Duke University alumna, Nabet made 86 appearances across five seasons with the Blue Devils, starting 55 matches and captaining the program to consecutive NCAA Tournament quarterfinal runs in 2020 and 2021.

“I’m thrilled to join Carolina Ascent and contribute to the team’s pursuit of winning a championship,” said Nabet. “I’m grateful to be part of such a committed group and look forward to giving everything I have to the club, the fans, and the Charlotte community.”

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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 (January 22, 2026) – The Gainbridge Super League and Carolina Ascent FC announced today a change in kickoff time for Carolina Ascent’s road match against Sporting Jax on January 31.

The contest, originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will now begin at 5 p.m. EST at Hodges Stadium and will be broadcast on TV64.

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 (January 15, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today that the club has signed forward Ava Cook, pending league and federation approval.

Cook, 27, joins Carolina after four seasons with the Chicago Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The attacker made 62 total appearances across NWSL regular season and Challenge Cup play, scoring six goals after being selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ava to the club,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She brings great experience and is a perfect fit for the way we play. Fast, tough, brave, and dominant in the air, Ava has been brought in to bolster our strong attacking unit and to make an impact throughout the club.”

At the international level, Cook made two appearances for the United States U-23 Women’s National Team in 2022, scoring in both outings.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be joining this club,” expressed Cook. “Carolina Ascent is filled with amazing people across the board, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them. I’m looking forward to meeting the community, the fans who back us, and giving everything I have on the pitch.”

Prior to her professional career, Cook enjoyed a prolific collegiate tenure at Grand Valley State University, where she competed from 2017–21 and emerged as one of the most dominant scorers at the Division II level. Cook led her conference with 24 goals as a sophomore and followed that performance by pacing all of Division II with 29 goals in 2019.

Cook spent her fifth collegiate season at Michigan State University in 2022, earning All-Big Ten honors while scoring seven goals for the Spartans.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, 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 (January 8, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today defender Sydney Studer and goalkeeper Meagan McClelland have been named to the December Team of the Month.

Studer earns her second Team of the Month selection this season after also being recognized in October, while McClelland picks up her first honor of the campaign.

Studer logged all 270 minutes of action in December, anchoring a back line that recorded two clean sheets in three matches. The center back totaled 23 clearances during the month, including a team-high 14 in a scoreless draw with DC Power on December 20. Studer currently ranks second on the team in clearances and leads Carolina in blocks, duels won, and aerial duels won.

McClelland also posted two clean sheets in December. The goalkeeper made one save in Carolina Ascent’s 1–0 victory over Brooklyn FC on December 6, marking the club’s second consecutive shutout. She capped the month with a standout performance against DC Power, recording a season-high seven saves to secure a point. McClelland now ranks among the league leaders with three clean sheets and 31 saves this season.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, 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 (January 6, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today that forward Alyssa Walker has departed the club.

Walker, 28, appeared in 10 matches for the Ascent during the 2025 campaign, making an impact primarily off the bench and finishing the season with two goals. The attacker opened her Super League scoring account on September 13, coming on to net a second-half equalizer at Sporting Jax.

Walker scored the match-winning goal against DC Power FC to secure Carolina Ascent’s first victory of the season.

“On behalf of everyone at Carolina Ascent FC, we wish Alyssa nothing but the best as she takes the next step in her career,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She showed her elite pedigree with several important goals early in the season and made a lasting impact in our locker room. Alyssa will always be welcomed back at American Legion Memorial Stadium by our fans.”

The club wishes Alyssa well in her next chapter.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, 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 (December 23, 2025) – Carolina Ascent announced today that midfielder Maggie Pierce has been released from the club and will join Shelbourne FC of Ireland’s Women’s Premier Division.

Pierce, 24, made one appearance for the Ascent during the 2025 season, entering as a substitute in Carolina’s 2–1 road victory over Spokane Zephyr FC on October 30. She was also a member of Carolina Ascent’s W League squad this past summer.

“Maggie has been amazing since the day she arrived in our environment,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “It’s always a pleasure to see how much players impact those around them and Maggie has done just that. Maggie is a top player who will continue to do great things in her next endeavor.”

The move marks Pierce’s second stint with Shelbourne, where she established herself as a regular contributor from 2023–24. During that span, the midfielder made 55 starts across all competitions, scored twice, and featured in two matches in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Carolina Ascent thanks Maggie for her professionalism and contributions to the club and wishes her continued success as she begins the next chapter of her career in Ireland.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, 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.