Greenville, SC (January 13, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph has signed its’ first two players to the club’s USL W League inaugural roster, inking local standouts Caroline Conti and Carly Thatcher, pending league and federation approval. The pair, who both played club and high school soccer in the Upstate, will play for the new W League team in its’ inaugural season this summer.
Conti, a Greenville native, began her soccer career at CESA. While competing in club soccer, she participated in ID2 Olympic Development and ECNL Player Development Programs for the academy. While at JL Mann High School, Conti served as team captain and led the Patriots to back-to-back State Championships in 2017 and 2018. Conti was voted to three-time all-region, all-upstate, and all-state teams during her time at Mann. She was also voted the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons, and twice recognized as the SC 5A Miss Soccer Player of the Year.
“I’m so excited to get the chance to be a part of the new USL W-League team here in Greenville,” said Conti. “I can’t wait to get the chance to play with all of the amazing other girls and make memories of a lifetime.”
Conti, a forward, is currently finishing her junior season at Clemson University. While at Clemson, Conti has made 66 starts and appeared in 69 matches, totaling 4,472 minutes of action. Conti tallied six goals and six assists this past season, with a shot on goal percentage of .500. She earned Offensive ACC Player of the Week twice in 2021 and once in 2020, also being voted as the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week two times last season.
“The addition of Caroline has such a positive impact on the start of our team. She brings many characteristics with her. Not only is she a talented player both in skill level and field dynamics, but she’s also very hard working, has great leadership presence and a huge passion for the game,” said Head Coach Julie Carlson. “She will bring a high level of Soccer IQ quality to our team and will possess an enjoyable energy that fans will love to watch.”
Conti is joined on the inaugural roster by Greer native Carly Thatcher, a midfielder with local playing experience from CESA and Riverside High School. During her club career, she was twice voted to the Mid-Atlantic All Conference Team, participated in the 2018 ECNL National Training Camp and named a Generation Adidas Olympique Lyonnais selection. While at Riverside, Thatcher was a four-time all-state and 5A Region 2 Player of the Year honoree. She also was named 2020-21 All-Upstate Girls Soccer Player of the Year by the Greenville News and was nominated for SC Gatorade Player of the Year.
“I’m so excited to be representing my hometown team for its inaugural season,” said Thatcher.
Thatcher is currently finishing her freshman year at Auburn University. She has had a notable start to her collegiate career, logging 446 minutes this past season with 20 appearances and 17 starts. She was named SEC Freshman of the Week in September. Thatcher has a shot on goal percentage of .538 and tallied three goals and two assists in 2021. She also became the second freshman in Auburn history to record a hat-trick.
“Carly is a crafty, off the dribble threat. She is also a very hardworking player with lots of energy. She has great tenacity to connect with players around her,” said Head Coach Julie Carlson. “She will be another huge asset to the inaugural teams’ success this summer.”
Conti and Thatcher mark the first two players signed for the Triumph USL W League Team. The club completed its’ inaugural open tryout the weekend of January 8-9 and anticipates filling more roster slots across the coming weeks. The team is set to kick off its’ first season this May with a slate of 12 to 14 matches. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
