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CHARLOTTE, NC (April 27, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today that Assistant Coach and IDP Manager Melanie Thomas will be leaving the team to join USL W-League side Minnesota Aurora FC as their lead assistant.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my time with Carolina Ascent FC. Working alongside Head Coach Philip Poole and the entire staff has been an experience that has shaped me in so many meaningful ways,” shared Thomas. “I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together and excited for this next chapter, knowing that my connection to the club and its people will always remain strong.”

Thomas joined Carolina Ascent in March 2024 and has been a leader in pushing the team to clinching the league’s first ever postseason berth.

“Mel has been an asset to our staff as we have navigated our way through our inaugural season,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She has brought an energy and passion to our staff that makes her a lot of fun to work with. Mel will be missed by all of us.”

Thomas has over 20 years of coaching experience and also has served as a coach educator for USSF and United Soccer Coaches. Working with U.S. Club Soccer, Thomas has been teaching USSF C & D licensing and grassroots courses since 2021, helping current and aspiring coaches improve their skills. Thomas also collaborated with U.S. Club Soccer’s Player Development Programs to organize and create National Identification and Development Programs in Southern California. Previously, Thomas served as a coach with multiple ECNL and Development Academy teams, supporting elite women’s soccer players. Thomas served as an Assistant Coach and Interim Head Coach of the Iowa Western women’s soccer program where she helped lead the team to a Division title and a Regional Championship appearance.

The Carolina Ascent organization wishes Melanie all the best in Minnesota and thanks her for her contributions to the team’s inaugural season.

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. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CarolinaAscent.com.

Carolina Ascent becomes first USL Super League team to clinch a playoff spot

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (April 26, 2025) – Carolina Ascent became the first team to clinch a playoff spot Saturday night, defeating Fort Lauderdale FC 5-2 in a dominant performance for their 6th straight win.

Mia Corbin buried her league-leading 11th and 12th goals, Audrey Harding added a pair of her own, and Sarah Troccoli notched her third of the season in the victory.

The offenses came out firing as it was Ft. Lauderdale United that ended Carolina’s clean sheet streak within the first three minutes. #20 Kiera Locklear centered to #17 Jasmine Hamid who buried her 9th goal of the season, putting an end to Carolina’s Ascent historic shutout streak.

However, Carolina Ascent then went to work. It was a very quick response as Harding looped a beautiful cross to the back post in the 5th minute and Corbin headed home her league-leading 11th goal of the season to even the score.

Carolina Ascent took the lead in the 17th minute. Harding cut inside and scored a beauty, curling it into the top corner past the outstreched hands of Ft. Lauderdale goalkeeper #1 Cosette Morche.

After Morche made a fantastic kick save on #7 Jill Aguilera, Carolina Ascent made it three unanswered in the first half. Aguilera’s ensuing corner found the head of Troccoli, who nodded it past Morche for her 3rd goal this Spring in the 34th minute.

An excellent response to an early deficit resulted in a Carolina Ascent 3-1 lead at the half.

Carolina Ascent continued to control possession throughout the second half. Ft. Lauderdale had a golden chance to make it a one-goal game as #11 Sh’Nia Gordon missed a golden chance with Carolina goalkeeper #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy out of position.

Harding added to her highlight reel night in the 77th minute. A carbon copy of her first goal, Harding cut inside and once again, curled one into the top corner to make it 4-1.

Four minutes later, #23 Riley Parker drove inside the box and was taken down from behind. Corbin stepped up to the spot and collected her second goal of the night to extend the lead to four.

In stoppage time, Ft. Lauderdale scored a consolation goal as #18 Addie McCain was left alone in the middle of the box and buried her team-leading 10th goal of the season.

Carolina Ascent becomes the first team in USL Super League history to clinch a spot in the league’s postseason. The three points extends Carolina Ascent’s first place lead in the league standings with three regular season games to play.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the team clinching a playoff spot:

“It’s a group effort, it’s a team effort. You could see they were motivated and hungry to come to Fort Lauderdale tonight and put our best foot forward.”

Poole on his team falling behind, but responding quickly:

“The response was really good. I think we haven’t necessarily been great from coming from behind, we’ve tied a couple of games. We haven’t been necessarily great at turning those into wins so it’s another step forward in that department for sure.”

Audrey Harding on her two goals:

“With my two goals being similar, I had worked on that exact cut in and shot with my Coach Jack [Vundum] two days ago at training, so I told myself that’s what I’m gonna do if I get in the box!”

Jill Aguilera on the team heading to the playoffs:

“It’s really exciting to be the first team to clinch playoffs, our hard work has been paying off but we still have important games coming up and our intensity and high performance mindset does not change as we work toward winning the final games of the season. I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far, but our work isn’t done yet.”

Groundbreaking Multi-Year Agreement Introduces the Gainbridge Super League, Marking a Major Milestone for Women’s Sports

TAMPA, FL (April 22, 2025) – The United Soccer League (USL) and Gainbridge®, a Group 1001 company, today announced a historic, long-term partnership, making Gainbridge® the first-ever entitlement partner of a professional soccer league in the United States. As part of a multi-year agreement, Gainbridge® will become the Official Partner and Exclusive Financial Services Partner of the newly named Gainbridge Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league, beginning in the 2025/26 season. This marks a major milestone in the growth of women’s sports and the business of soccer.

“This is a landmark moment for professional soccer,” said Amanda Vandervort, President of the USL Super League. “Gainbridge®’s belief and investment in what we’re building demonstrates a long-term commitment to the success of professional women’s soccer and will help elevate our league, clubs, players, and communities by driving resources, expanding visibility, and creating lasting opportunities for growth. This partnership reinforces that women’s sports are thriving and deserve investment at the highest level.”

Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Their investment in the USL Super League comes at a time of historic sponsorship growth in women’s sports.

“Our mission at Group 1001 is to transform communities through sports and education,” said Dan Towriss, President and CEO of Group 1001. “Supporting women’s sports and partnering with the USL aligns with our company’s mission and values, prioritizing inclusivity, empowerment, and community. With partnerships spanning the WNBA, professional tennis, the LPGA, and now the Gainbridge Super League, more than 40 percent of our sponsorship dollars are dedicated to accelerating the growth of women’s sports.”

Earlier this month, Gainbridge® named Briana Scurry, one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in United States soccer history and a two-time Olympic champion, as a brand ambassador. A trailblazer in the sport, Scurry played a pivotal role in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 1999 World Cup victory and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. She joins an elite roster of Gainbridge® women ambassador athletes, including WNBA star Caitlin Clark, tennis icon Billie Jean King, and LPGA legend Annika Sörenstam.

Gainbridge® will expand its presence across the USL ecosystem as the Official Annuity Partner of its leagues and its USL Super League clubs.

“Teaming up with Gainbridge®, a forward-thinking brand that values opportunity, integrity, and empowerment, strengthens our league and supports our commitment to expanding the game,” said Paul McDonough, USL President and Chief Soccer Officer. “Their investment highlights the rising opportunities in soccer and underscores the value of being part of this growing movement. This partnership is a key step forward in creating new opportunities for players, coaches, and fans across the United States.”

As part of today’s announcement, the USL unveiled the new Gainbridge Super League wordmark, marking the beginning of an integrated brand presence across social, digital, broadcast, in-stadium, and on kits for the 2025/26 season.

About United Soccer League
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer
organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes four men’s leagues: the newly announced, top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth platform.

With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms, including CBS Sports, ESPN, and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.

About the USL Super League
The USL Super League is a Division 1 professional women’s soccer league providing more
opportunities for more women in more communities. The USL Super League debuted in August 2024 with eight clubs – Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Tampa Bay Sun FC. Expansion side Sporting JAX is set to compete in the 2025/26 season.

About Gainbridge®
Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers
consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

About Group 1001
Group 1001 Insurance is a collective that empowers companies to create positive growth. Our insurance and annuities are easy to understand and accessible to all. Our online investing platform gives individuals control over their savings. Our technology and innovation help companies succeed. And our strategic partnerships bring people together through education and sports.

As of December 31, 2024, Group 1001 Insurance had more than 1,500 employees and
combined assets under management of approximately $67.8 billion and currently provides over 496,000 active annuity contracts and life insurance policies. It comprises the following brands: Delaware Life, Gainbridge®, Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company, Clear Spring Property and Casualty Group, Clear Spring Health, and the RVI Group, among others.

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 19, 2025) – #17 Eli Hutchinson scored a brace and Mia Corbin tied the Golden Boot race back up as Carolina Ascent FC won their fifth straight match, taking down Spokane Zephyr FC 3-0.

It is the fifth straight clean sheet for Carolina Ascent FC as they continue a fantastic stretch of soccer. The squad has also scored 16 goals during their unbeaten run.

In a battle of the league’s two hottest teams, it was the league leaders that had the better of the first 45 minutes.

Corbin nearly scored her 10th goal of the season in the 11th minute, as her quick turn and shot from the six-yard box was saved well by Spokane goalkeeper #0 Hope Hisey.

Six minutes later, they found the breakthrough. Persistent work from midfielder #14 Taylor Porter, winning multiple tackles, popped the ball loose to Hutchinson, who made zero mistake from the top of the box depositing a low strike past Hisey to ignite the home supporters.

Spokane Zephyr, entering the night with only one loss in the Spring (against Carolina Ascent in March), did their best to keep it a one-score game by the halftime break, defending as a unit against a surging Carolina Ascent attack.

Hisey was called into action once again in the 37th minute as Corbin smashed a low shot towards the bottom corner, but Hisey kicked it away.

The hosts outshot the visitors from Washington 11-3 in the first half, but could not extend the score by the time halftime arrived.

After Hisey started the half with diving saves on #18 Audrey Harding and Corbin, Corbin ripped a left-footed strike from 18 yards out that skimmed the top of the crossbar in the 57th minute.

Carolina Ascent finally extended their lead in the 69th minute. A pretty give-and-go between Corbin and Merrick resulted in a save from Hisey, but Hutchinson cleaned up the rebound to secure her brace.

Corbin was finally rewarded with her goal in the 83rd minute. #7 Jill Aguilera’s whipped in corner kick was loose in the box and Corbin cleaned up the change to become the first Carolina Ascent player in team history to reach double digits in goals.

As has been for the past five games, the defense and Carolina Ascent goalkeeper #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy held down the fort for their fifth consecutive shutout and fifth consecutive victory to add to their first place lead.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the team’s 5th straight win:

“We knew that we were going to have to absorb some pressure. They’ve got quality players and are well-coached. Good team performance tonight from front to back.”

Poole on Eli Hutchinson’s impact:

“It’s her work off the ball. She’s really good defensively and technically she’s so good on the ball. She’s a top player and I’m glad she is getting some spotlight.”

Eli Hutchinson on the team’s current run:

“I think we finally put all the pieces together and we’re scoring a lot of goals and I think that is huge and now we have a lot of momentum going forward.”

Samantha Leshnak Murphy on her fifth straight clean sheet:

“The team is cooking right now. We couldn’t be communicating better. When we practrice, we practice exactly how we want to. The girls feel really good right now. Poole keeps talking about coaching each other. It looks maybe good on me, but I’m just the last one and they do a great job of never letting it get to me.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 12, 2025) – Three defenders found the back of the night as Carolina Ascent exploded for a season-high five goals in a 5-0 victory over Brooklyn FC Saturday night in front of 3,620 supporters at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

#20 Jenna Butler, #13 Addisyn Merrick, #7 Jill Aguilera, #18 Audrey Harding, and #22 B Hylton all found their way on the scoresheet. Carolina Ascent has four consecutive clean sheets and now holds the longest shutout streak in USL Super League history.

Carolina Ascent needed to adjust to Brooklyn FC’s high press early in the first half. The visitors, winless since December 14, were hungry to make a statement on the road.

Brooklyn forwards #9 Jessica Garziano and #23 Luana Garbias posed a threat with their pace in-behind, but Carolina Ascent showed why they’ve kept teams scoreless as of late, with #12 Sydney Studer and Butler matching Brooklyn’s speed to deny any high-danger chances.

It was instead the home side that dominated in the shots category the first 45 minutes, leading 7-2.

In the 16th minute, Aguilera put a cross on the foot of #9 Mia Corbin, who flicked it onto the post and her follow-up was blocked just wide, coming close to becoming the first player in the league to reach double-digits in goals.

A minute later, Carolina Ascent took the lead. After Porter’s corner was headed away, her second ball was floated to the back post and Butler headed it past Brooklyn goalkeeper #18 Neeki Purcell for her second goal of the season.

Neither team had another strong opportunity in the first half and Carolina Ascent took a one-goal lead to halftime.

And then the goals poured in.

In the 51st minute, Porter picked up her second assist of the night, playing a ball over the top to an on-running Merrick who fired into the side netting for her first goal of the season.

After Corbin drew a free kick 25 yards out in the 65th minute, Aguilera submitted her vote for goal of the year. The left back curled it beautifully into the top corner for her second goal of the season and the third goal of the night from the back line.

Carolina Ascent found their fourth of the match four minutes later as #23 Riley Parker fed Harding who beat Purcell at her near post, continuing her great play from the month of March.

Hylton subbed on in the 78th minute and two minutes later, the 17-year-old academy signee became the youngest to ever score in franchise history. On the second ball off a corner, Hylton volleyed it home with her left foot, sending the Carolina Ascent bench and American Legion Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

The score held and Carolina Ascent finished the game remaining at the top of the Super League table, adding another three points to the tally in route to their fourth straight victory,

QUOTES:

Coach Philip Poole on Taylor Porter’s role on the team:

“She has been unsung, but not internally. We recognize her value and we recognize her leadership..She’s incredible and she’s a good leader, but I am just happy for her to get a little spotlight tonight because she deserves it.“

Poole on B Hylton making history:

“It means a lot to me, it means a lot to her, but you see the sort of respect that B garners amongst her teammates. That’s not only a special moment for her and her family, but for all of us. It tastes a little bit sweeter because B is one of our own from Charlotte, born and raised. The fact that we create an opportunity for one of our own makes it more special.”

B Hylton on her first professional goal:

“It doesn’t feel real. I’ve had other opportunities and just wanted to take advantage. Chances like those don’t always come at the pro level.”

Taylor Porter on her first two assists of the season:

“I always love to contribute in all different ways and sometimes it’s defensively, especially as a defensive midfielder, but getting two assists is great. Addisyn and Jenna did a great job of finishing them.”

WASHINGTON D.C. (April 8, 2025) – #25 Sarah Troccoli scored the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute as Carolina Ascent defeated DC Power FC 1-0 at Audi Field Tuesday night. The win moves Carolina Ascent back into first place ahead of a busy weekend of USL Super League action.

The two teams played a fairly even first half. DC Power, despite sitting in last in the USL Super League standings, held strong against an in-form Carolina Ascent attack and did their best to hit on the counter attack.

Carolina Ascent still did hold the majority of possession and had four shots on target to DC’s zero.

However, the best opportunity from Carolina Ascent came on a shot that missed the target. In the 25th minute, #7 Jill Aguilera ran the length of the pitch with the ball, found #15 Kathrynn Gonzalez who then played an excellent cross into the box. #23 Riley Parker made contact, but pulled it wide of the open net as she could not sort out her feet to properly put it away.

A resilient DC Power held Carolina Ascent to a scoreless first half and everything to play for in the second 45 minutes.

Carolina Ascent found the breakthrough in the 59th minute. Parker’s cross hit #9 Mia Corbin’s midsection and deflected into the path of Troccoli, who tucked it in underneath DC goalkeeper #1 Morgan Aquino for her second goal of the season.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and were close to finding it in the 82nd minute. #13 Addisyn Merrick’s left footed strke from 25 yards out struck the crossbar and seconds later, Corbin’s curling effort just whizzed by the post.

DC Power pushed in the final minutes to secure a point. #19 Yuuka Kurosaki’s half volley in the 86th minute was their best opportunity, but it squeaked by #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy’s post.

A really strong defensive performance resulted in a third consecutive clean sheet for Carolina Ascent and another three points to retake first place in the league standings.

QUOTES:

Coach Philip Poole on sticking with it in the second half:

We created some very good chances in the first half, chances we probably would like to put away and have been putting away, but you know, the players stuck with the plan, stuck at their task, and got the result that we came here for, which is a clean sheet.”

Poole on the defense’s discipline:

“We had some moments in the first part of the season and then one or two moments where we talked about our line and just being on the same page. I think that defending is as a team thing and defending starts with our forwards and it’s about being on the same page and creating clarity in what we want.”

Sarah Troccoli on the importance of securing the three points:

“Those three points were huge. DC is always a tough team, but I’m really proud of how we came out tonight and performed, especially defensively. Happy to get these 3 points and look ahead to Brooklyn on Saturday.”

Addisyn Merrick on three consecutive clean sheets:

“I think our backline has focused a lot on the communication piece, listening, and trusting each other. As a whole, I think we’ve done a better job focusing on the details.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 3, 2025) – USL Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent FC forward #9 Mia Corbin has been named the league’s Player of the Month for March. Alongside Corbin, forward #18 Audrey Harding and defender #7 Jill Aguilera have also been named to the Team of the Month.

Corbin’s achievement marks the first Player of the Month award received by Carolina Ascent in team history.

Corbin rapidly climbed the goal-scoring charts in March, netting four goals in five games. Corbin now has scored six goals in the Spring portion of the schedule. Her standout performance came on March 29 against Dallas Trinity FC, where she recorded her first brace of the season. With nine goals on the year, she is now tied for first in the league’s Golden Boot race.

Harding also made a significant impact in March, tallying two goals and three assists in five matches. She opened her scoring account with the club in style, netting both goals in a dominant 4-0 victory over Lexington SC on March 23. A dynamic presence on the wing, Harding consistently beat defenders and created opportunities for teammates. She assisted both of Eli Hutchinson’s goals last month—one on March 8 against Spokane Zephyr FC and another on March 29 against Dallas Trinity FC.

This is Harding’s first selection to the league’s Team of the Month.

Aguilera, the team’s leader in chances created, registered two assists in March. Her pinpoint corner kick on March 8 set up Jenna Butler’s game-winning header against Spokane Zephyr FC, and she assisted Harding’s second goal against Lexington SC on March 23. Aguilera now leads the team with five assists and played a crucial role defensively, helping Carolina Ascent secure back-to-back clean sheets to close out the month.

This marks Aguilera’s second appearance on the league’s Team of the Month, with her first coming in October.

Carolina Ascent FC continues its Inaugural Season home schedule on Saturday, April 12 at American Legion Memorial Stadium against Brooklyn FC. Single Game Tickets are on sale now at https://www.CarolinaAscent.com/single-game-tickets/. 

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. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CarolinaAscent.com.