Defender from Charlotte Stays for Second Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 19, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the return of defender Sydney Smith for the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval. Last year she scored 1 goal and accumulated 902 minutes played in the Charlotte Independence USL W League inaugural season.
“I am thrilled to be re-signing with the Charlotte Independence USL W League team,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to playing alongside so many talented players and learning from one another this summer.”
Smith, a Junior at UNC Charlotte, started in 5 games and logged 300 minutes played last Fall. As a sophomore, she appeared in 12 matches making three starts. During her freshman season, Smith appeared in eight games with four starts. Her first collegiate start was in the regular season home finale. Smith then went on to start in every match during the Conference USA tournament.
“Syd was a staple for us last season on the back line. She arrived from school after the first game we played, stepped in as a sub for us and started every game thereafter,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “We expect that the experience and leadership she gained from last season will help anchor a core of new players. She has great strength and a great attitude.”
As a student-athlete at Cox Mill High School in Concord, North Carolina, Smith earned All-Conference honors in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, she helped lead her team to the state finals. She was also named to the All-State team and recognized as Defensive Player of the Year. In her senior season, she was voted onto the 2020 High School All-Senior West team.
The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. The women host the NC Courage U-23s at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com.
