
Virginia Tech Hokie played every game for Charlotte last season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 25, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the return of Virginia Tech forward Ayden Yates for the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval. Yates returns to the team for her second year. She was one of three captains named during the inaugural season and started in all 12 games, accumulating 823 minutes and scoring five goals.
“I am so excited to get back on the field with the Charlotte Independence team,” stated Yates. “Last season’s success was just the beginning for this squad, and I can’t wait to see the talent of our team this year. Playing with this team is the highlight of my summer, and I am fired up to get this season rolling.”
At Lake Norman Charter High School, Yates broke the single-season scoring record her freshman year with 45 goals and broke the single-season assist record her junior year with 26. She finished her time at Lake Norman Charter with 144 goals and 68 assists.
In her three high school seasons, she was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State all three years and was named the 2020 Gatorade North Carolina Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
Yates played for the Charlotte Soccer Academy DA. She led her team in assists and was second in goals scored during her final season with CSA. Yates helped lead the team to a State Cup Championship, scoring in the title game.
“We are so excited to have Ayden return to us for another season. She provides us with a sense of continuity from our inaugural year as the only returning captain,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “She not only supports our vision, but she will work tirelessly on and off the field to help us achieve it. She gives her all, is competitive and will help us lead this squad through our second season in the USL W League.”
The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. The women will host the NC Courage U-23s at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule, please visit charlotteindependence.com.