Charlotte 49ers' Macey Bader signs with Carolina Ascent

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

Former Charlotte forward Macey Bader has signed with Carolina Ascent, making her the fourth 49er to sign a professional contract.

Macey Bader isn’t leaving Charlotte to play pro soccer.

Bader, a forward who played collegiately at Charlotte, signed with Carolina Ascent FC last week, making her the third 49er to sign a professional contract in the last calendar year and fourth overall, joining Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur), Tash Huson (Apollon Ladies F.C.), and Charlotte Harris (AFC Bournemouth). 

“After my time at Charlotte, this city has truly become home and I’m so excited for the opportunity to represent it at the next level in my first year as a pro,” Bader said in a posting on Carolina Ascent FC’s website. “This organization set such a high bar in its first year and I can’t wait to come in, put in the work, and help build on that foundation.”

Bader, a two-time American Conference all-tournament team selection at Charlotte, earned first team all-conference last year after leading the 49ers with five goals. She finished her Charlotte career with 17 goals and 46 points in 73 matches (68 starts) and seventh all-time in with 181 shots taken. 

Carolina Ascent, which won the Gainbridge Super League supporters’ shield in its debut season, finished atop the table with 48 points and earned the top playoff seed with a 13-6-9 record. 

Bader, an Apex native, spent the last two summers playing for the North Carolina Courage U23 team and won the finals MVP in the 2024 USLW Championship.

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