Horner to lead the Independence women during their inaugural season in the USL W League’s South Atlantic Division.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 9, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence and the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club today named Robyn Horner as the Head Coach of the club’s new women’s pre-professional soccer team. Horner will remain the Girls GK Coaching Director for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. She was previously the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Pfeiffer University and competed at both the collegiate and professional levels throughout her career. Play for the USL W League’s South Atlantic Division kicks off this May.
“We’re absolutely delighted to announce Robyn Horner as our first Head Coach of the W league team,” explained Thomas Finlay, CEO of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “We reviewed 150 resumes from all over the world, but it became very clear that the right person was here within our club. Robyn has been there as a player, and a coach, at this level. Her experience will be invaluable for our pre-professional players. Rooted in our club culture, Coach Robyn will provide the experience and soccer knowledge to help elevate our players to the next level. We simply can’t wait for the start of the season.”
Horner joined the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club in 2019 as the Director of Goalkeeping and Head Coach. In her first year, she coached a U19 girls team to an undefeated season and a State Cup Championship.
“I am so thrilled, and consider myself very fortunate, to be leading our club’s first-ever W-League team in their inaugural season, ” explained Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “I would like to express my gratitude to Thomas Finlay and the entire Charlotte Independence organization for offering me the opportunity to build the foundation of this team alongside the strong women of our club, keeping our core values at the center.”
Before joining the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, Horner coached at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C. She was the Assistant Coach for two years, during which she helped the Falcons win a Conference Carolinas Championship in 2013. Horner was promoted as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach in 2015. She led the program for four years with an overall record of 39-26-3 which included two Conference Semifinal appearances in 2015 and 2016.
Horner played for the semi-professional Charlotte Independence North – WPSL team during the Summer of 2021 and was named the All Conference Goalkeeper for the Carolinas Conference North Division.
Previously, she competed with the Charlotte Lady Eagles and was named Team Captain from 2013-2015. She helped lead her team to two Southeast Conference Championships in 2012 and 2014, the same two years she earned Southeast Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
Over the course of nine years as a professional soccer player, Horner played with a number of clubs including: New Jersey Wildcats (W-League – Semi-Professional), Philadelphia Independence (WPS), Sky Blue (WPS) and WNY Flash (NWSL – Now NC Courage Franchise).
Horner played collegiate soccer at Rutgers University from 2003-2005. She still holds a place on the universities’ record list. She then transferred to Franklin & Marshall College where she competed from 2005-2008.
“We’re excited for the W League to start and excited about the fans and corporate partners’ response,” said Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “Robyn is the first of many signings that enable us to provide more opportunities for women on the field and off the field as we grow the game and our organization in the Carolinas.”
Horner is married to her husband Paul. Together, they have a son Ben (5), a daughter Charlotte (almost 2) and one baby girl on the way who is due in late March.
“I’m honored to be a part of the newest installment of the USL W League and their commitment to the advancement of the women’s game across the nation,” stated Horner. “Having been involved in the previous installment of the W League for seven years as a player, I know firsthand what it means to be fully invested in the growth of the women’s game, and couldn’t be more proud of the partnership our club has fostered with the USL in that endeavor.”
The Charlotte Independence women will open their inaugural season with a home match vs. Greenville Triumph SC on Sunday, May 15 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM. Purchase USL W League Season Tickets at charlotteindependence.com/uslw-season-tickets.
