Adds experience and versatility to the Independence back line
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 12, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the signings of four DI defenders to the 2023 squad, pending league and federation approval. The roster includes: Jacey Rase (West Virginia University), Maddie Milliron (East Carolina University), Jenna Butler (NC State) and Nicole Poole (UNC Wilmington).
“This is a talented group of new defenders. These ladies will be bringing experience and versatility to our back line,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “They are coming from solid programs with great reputations for stingy defense. Our conference is extremely competitive with a lot of top talent, and we will be leaning on these ladies throughout the season to help us anchor our game day lineup.”
Jacey Rase, West Virginia University – Rase, a forward for Lake Norman High School, is committed to play DI college soccer at West Virginia University. In high school, she led the Greater Metro 4A Conference in goals and assists. Rase earned an All-State selection with the Wildcats and scored 17 goals with 14 assists leading the squad to a 20-5 record in 2023. She was also named the 2022 Statesville Record & Landmark Player of the Year.
Rase played club soccer with the CSA ECNL National team where she has been the leading goal scorer for the past two years
“I am extremely excited to get started with this group this summer,” Rase said. “I can’t wait to join in on their success and hopefully continue it while working alongside some of the most talented girls in the country and under some of the best coaches. Let’s go! We have work to do!”
Maddie Milliron, East Carolina University – Milliron is a sophomore who made her first collegiate appearance in 2022 for the Pirates during a match against William & Mary. Before college, Milliron spent five years with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s ECNL program.
As a Harrisburg, North Carolina native, Milliron played high school soccer at Hickory Ridge High School where she served as team captain for the 2022 season. In three seasons, Million scored 56 goals and tallied 24 assists. She earned three 4A All-Region Honors and one 4A All-State selection with the Bulls.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play with the W-League this summer,” Milliron said. “I am looking forward to being back at CISC and playing with a talented group of women.”
Jenna Butler, North Carolina State University – Butler is an NC State graduate student who started in 86 matches throughout her collegiate career. In five seasons, she scored 7 goals with 8 assists accumulating 7,597 minutes played.
Butler competed for multiple youth club teams including: FC Virginia, Prince William Courage, Northern Virginia SC and Fredericksburg FC. As a youth player she contributed to many titles including the Disney Showcase title, the WAGS Showcase title, the CASL Showcase title, the US Club Soccer National Cup title, and the VYSA State Cup title.
“I am so excited to be signing with the Charlotte Independence USL W League team this summer,” Butler said. “I am really looking forward to playing with such a quality group of people and players in a challenging league. I am very excited to be given this opportunity to play for the program and get started!”
Nicole Poole, University of North Carolina at Wilmington – Poole made five appearances with two starts and accumulated 136 minutes during her freshman season with the Seahawks.
Poole, a multisport athlete in high school, played soccer, basketball, cross-country and track and field locally at the Community School of Davidson in Davidson, North Carolina. As a Spartan, she was a four-year letterwinner, earning All-Conference and All-Region Honors. Poole also competed in several ECNL Showcase events and the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Championship.
“I am so excited to be back on my home field this summer training and competing at high levels with all of these hard-working players!” Poole said.
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. View the full schedule at charlotteindependence.com.
