CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Ascent FC, Charlotte’s only women’s top-level professional sports team, proudly announced the addition of a locally based women’s ownership group as a major investor. “We want to acknowledge and thank Dan DiMicco and Jim McPhilliamy for their vision and foresight in encouraging a group of women executives and community leaders throughout the Carolinas to join the climb. We are thrilled to become founding investors in the team and look forward to our meaningful contribution to the growth and success of Carolina Ascent FC for many years to come,” said Maryann Bruce, managing member of the investor group, Empower HER Fund, LLC.
“Investing in women’s soccer isn’t just about building a team—it’s about nurturing future leaders and empowering our community. With a dedicated group of women investors, we’re not only shaping the future of sports but also inspiring young women to become champions on and off the field,” said Andrea Smith, another member of the 11-person Empower HER Fund, LLC.
Other women investors in addition to Maryann Bruce and Andrea Smith include Margot Brinley, Elizabeth A Fleming, Lucia Zapata Griffith, Kimberly Katherine Lewis, Robin Milo Mermans, Valerie Mitchener, Katie Morgan, Molly Shaw, and Jordana Snider.
In a collective statement, Empower HER Fund investors said, “While many of us are life-long soccer fans, investing in Carolina Ascent is a unique chance to support women’s sports, develop female leaders, and make a positive difference in the community.”
The group views its investment as a long-term project and is still in discussions with other investors. “We believe in the potential of women’s soccer, the USL Super League and Carolina Ascent; we encourage others to join us as investors and in growing a strong fan base,” said Lucia Zapata Griffith.
Carolina Ascent was initially founded as Empower Sports & Entertainment LLC in 2022 to help bring elite women’s professional soccer to Charlotte. In 2023, Empower Sports & Entertainment officially secured the USL Super League franchise rights to the Charlotte market. The team is the first professional women’s sports team in Charlotte since the WNBA Charlotte Sting played their final game in 2007. Backed by the creativity and drive of a very active and passionate ownership and supporters’ group, the name and branding were created and launched in June of this year.
The team plays its historic first game at 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, at the recently renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium at 310 N. Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC. The 10,500-seat stadium is in the heart of the Queen City with easy access from both interstates and uptown. Additionally, the stadium has onsite parking, making it convenient and family-friendly.
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial markets of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off 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 the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.
ABOUT EMPOWER HER FUND LLC
A group of women leaders and investors from the Carolinas have united with a shared passion for empowering, supporting, and advancing women in professional sports, aiming to make a significant positive impact in the community.
ABOUT THE USL SUPER LEAGUE
The USL Super League is a Division One professional women’s soccer league kicking off in August 2024. The USL Super League’s vision is to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field while providing more opportunities for more women in more communities.
The inaugural markets are Brooklyn, Carolina, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Lexington, Spokane, Tampa Bay and Washington, D.C.
The USL Super League will sit at the top the USL’s distinct youth-to-pro women’s pathway. The complete pathway includes the USL W League, the leading pre-professional women’s soccer league in the United States; the USL Academy, an advanced talent-development platform connected to professional and pre-professional USL clubs; and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.
