Martina Navratilova, one of the most iconic figures in women’s sports, has joined U.S. women’s professional soccer team Carolina Ascent FC as a minority owner.
Carolina Ascent FC said the milestone builds on a historic inaugural season, capped by Carolina Ascent’s winning one of the most prestigious awards in professional soccer, the USL Super League’s “Players Shield,” as well as the League’s 2024/25 Organization of the Year.
Navratilova, not only a tennis legend, but an inspirational leader known for her tenacity, candor and motivation, adds a new dimension to Carolina Ascent’s ownership.
Carolina Ascent Football Club is an American professional women’s soccer club based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that competes in the USL Super League. The club also features an affiliate team in the USL W League, which began play in summer 2024.
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams in the Gainbridge Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league entering its second season alongside the NWSL in the women’s soccer pyramid.
The club plays its home matches at the 10,500-seat American Legion Memorial Stadium in the Elizabeth community of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The most successful female tennis player of the Open era, Martina Navratilova amassed an unmatched number of professional records over the course of a career that spanned an amazing four decades.
Over a spectacular career that has spanned four decades, Martina won an unprecedented 59 Grand Slam titles, including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships, as well as 167 singles and 177 doubles championships.
Her decades-long rivalry with Chris Evert is considered one of the greatest in sports history, with Martina sporting a 43-37 advantage.
Navratilova said, “Carolina Ascent’s mission to become one of the top women’s clubs in the world resonated with me immediately. This team and its leadership are determined to compete at the highest level. I’m excited for the opportunity to become a part of it.”
Dan DiMicco, majority owner of Carolina Ascent FC, said, “Martina Navratilova is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players in history, revolutionizing the sport with her powerful serve and aggressive playing style. That description fits well with our team’s approach to soccer.
“We are honored to welcome Martina to the Carolina Ascent family.”
Navratilova joins a committed ownership group that includes Dan DiMicco, Jim and Kelly McPhilliamy, and the Empower HER Fund, LLC, a woman-led investment group of community leaders. Together, this diverse ownership team is driving the Ascent’s mission to elevate women’s soccer and strengthen the Carolinas.
Since debuting in August 2024, Carolina Ascent has rapidly become a model franchise for women’s professional soccer:
- Players’ Shield winners as the league’s top regular-season team
- League leaders in attendance in their first season
- Coach of the Year, Head Coach Philip Poole
- Golden Glove, Goalie Meagan McClelland
- Defender of the Year and Golden Playmaker award winner, Defender Jill Aguilera
After a history-making inaugural season, the team is committed to building on its success and inspiring fans across the Carolinas.
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