Although Kelly Ann Livingstone’s first foray into pro soccer was right in her own backyard, her pro career would take her from coast to coast and even to Europe. Now, the young defender has signed with Carolina Ascent FC as one of the first players in the USL Super League.
“Super League is really exciting and I knew there were going to be a lot of good players and competition here which is what drew me in,” Livingstone said.
Livingstone is used to a high level of competition. After a successful collegiate career at Georgetown University, the New Jersey native was selected by her homestate team NJ/NY Gotham FC as 24th overall pick in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft, but her stint with the team would be short as she was waived at the end of that season.
Following a season in Denmark’s top flight with Fortuna Hjørring and a stint with the Seattle Reign in the NWSL, the experienced center back is ready for her next adventure in Charlotte and looking forward to the opportunity to continue her career just a little closer to home.
“In talking to [head coach] Phillip Poole, I was looking for a coach that values the person more than the player, who is really developing a well-rounded team both on and off the field, which is something that is really important to me,” Livingstone said. “Charlotte is a really cool city, especially for someone in their mid-20s, so I was really drawn to the city as a whole.”
It took just one trip down to Charlotte to convince Livingstone that this was the move for her. She met with Poole in person, saw the facilities, spoke with others in the organization, and knew that this was the place where she could not only grow her own game but substantially contribute to the success of a new team.
“Kelly Ann is a player who has massive potential and one who will benefit from the creation of the USL Super League,” said Poole. “Professional football is a game of tiny margins that determine why some succeed and some fail. It is so clear to me that she will be able to maximize her potential by stepping into this role where a lot is expected of her. Young players often fall into the ‘we will see how she does’ category, and for me, I don’t see Kelly Ann as a young player. She will be given a lot of responsibility, and this is a unique opportunity for her. She has all the attributes to be a top player for us.”
The collective experience of her career up until this point has uniquely prepared Livingstone for this moment – to be one of the first signings to join a team in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
“I absolutely loved my experience abroad, it got me out of my comfort zone which was helpful in developing my game, but I was really homesick and that’s what drove me to come back,” Livingstone said. “The Super League is such a good opportunity, especially with the continued growth of women’s sports in America, and I’m really excited to be part of that.”
Livingstone had always dreamed of one day going pro. She grew up kicking around the ball with her family and friends in her backyard and even attended Gotham FC (formerly Sky Blue FC) games as a young player.
“I just love soccer,” Livingstone said. “It’s just the thing I really love to do – it makes my heart happy! I love meeting new people and going to new places, and I love the peace it brings me when I’m on the field and locked in. There’s really nothing that can make me happier than playing soccer.”
Livingstone keeps herself plenty busy off the pitch, picking up painting in her limited downtime and scouting out the next place to feed her sweet tooth. “I will drive very far out of my way to find a good dessert,” she joked. She’s looking forward to making herself at home in Charlotte, exploring the area, and getting the city excited for its first-ever professional women’s sports team.
“Watching this team play against some exciting competition is going to be very entertaining for fans,” Livingstone said. “I’m looking forward to this new league and playing with my new teammates who are all really good people. I think the culture of this new league and especially our team is going to be phenomenal.”