April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Jay Lockhart to Girls Pre-ECNL Director. “Jay has been a loyal and dedicated member of our staff for a long time”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “His work rate and passion for the game is unmatched and we are excited to have such a driven and knowledgeable talent take the reins of our Girls Pre-ECNL Program.” Lockhart bring a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role. This season, he coached the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Girls Regional League South teams. Off the field, Lockhart has been an advocate for inclusivity within soccer for players with disabilities. He oversees the TOPSoccer program in our South region. Starting for the 2024-2025 season, Jay will be coaching the Girls 2012 ECNL Academy and the Girls 2014 Pre-ECNL South. “I am really excited to begin overseeing the Pre-ECNL Program at the club. It is a very important development phase for players as they prepare to play in the ECNL and ECRL”, said Jay Lockhart. “Practices and games will help players be challenged but at the same time ensuring players experience an age appropriate and fun environment at CISC. I want every player to have this as a part of their long-term participation in Soccer.” For the last two years, he was also seen with the Boys USL League Two team as an Assistant Coach. His dedication to the Independence Community goes further as he works with our First Team, Charlotte Independence, as a Video Analyst Recently, Lockhart was announced as the Carolina Ascent U20 USL Academy Head Coach, a connected player pathway to the new professional women’s team The Carolina Ascent FC.

April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Erika Duncan to Girls ECNL Academy. “Anyone who has had the opportunity to observe Erika on the field knows that she is a highly qualified coach and leader”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “She is a consummate professional and is detail oriented. There is no question that she will play a key role in the development of our ECNL Girls Academy players both on and off the field.” During the 2024-2025 season, Erika will lead coaching efforts for the Girls 2010 ECNL Academy. Her commitment to the sport, both as a coach and a former professional player, is poised to significantly contribute to the success of the National Program. “I would like to thank our ECNL Director, John Cullen for the opportunity to join the ECNL Program”, said Erika Duncan. “I am extremely excited to work with the top-level players here at Charlotte Independence. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Rhem Stubbs and Neil Roberts for their unwavering support and mentorship over the past two years. I can’t wait to get started and continue to build off the strong foundation that has been laid within this team and this national program.” Erika currently serves as the coach for the Girls 2008 and 2009 ECNL Regional League North teams. Over the past two years, she has held the role of Assistant Head Coach for the Charlotte Independence USL W League team. Additionally, she has been appointed as the Head Coach for the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League for the 2024 season. Following the conclusion of the USL W League season, she will transition to the role of Assistant Coach alongside Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach Phillip Poole for the inaugural Super League season.