A group of 11 Charlotte women business and civic leaders have bought a 25% ownership stake in Charlotte Ascent FC, the professional soccer team that kicks off play later this month.
“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. She is a former Wachovia executive.
The group includes Andrea Smith, interim CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and retired Bank of America executive. Others involved in the ownership stake are Margot Brinley, Elizabeth A Fleming, Lucia Zapata Griffith, Kimberly Katherine Lewis, Robin Milo Mermans, Valerie Mitchener, Katie Morgan, Susan Maureen Shaw, and Jordana Snider.
The soccer club is owned by former Nucor CEO Dan DiMicco (40%) of Ascent FC and managing partner Jim McPhilliamy and his wife, Kelly, (35%). McPhillamy is a longtime soccer club backer in Charlotte.
The women’s 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,” says Griffith.
Griffith is CEO and founding principal of Metro Landmarks Construction and Metro Landmarks Architecture. She is on the Central Piedmont Community College board.
Mermans is a Charlotte attorney and Mitchener is a real estate agent. Morgan is a former Bank of America executive.
Carolina Ascent was initially founded as Empower Sports & Entertainment LLC in 2022 to help bring elite women’s professional soccer to Charlotte. In 2023, it 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 its final game in 2007.
The Super League plays a fall to spring schedule, while the unaffiliated National Women’s Soccer League plays from spring to fall. The NWSL includes the North Carolina Courage based in Raleigh.
Ascent’s first match will be Aug.17 at the recently renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium.