Syracuse University Defender Returns for Second Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 27, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the return of defender Kendyl Lauher for the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval. Last year, she scored her first pre-professional goal for the Charlotte Independence and accumulated 217 minutes played with 3 assists.
“Last summer, I missed about half of the season due to injury,” Lauher said. “I’m beyond excited to have the entire summer to play with both old and new teammates and represent the Charlotte Independence which is something I’ve always taken great pride in doing. Our inaugural season was great, but I know all of us returners are looking to build the program, progress even further, and establish the Independence as one of the most dominant teams in the league.”
Lauher is a sophomore at Syracuse University. This fall she made six starts and appeared in all 14 games. She was named to the Academic All-District Team selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC) and the 2022 All-ACC Academic Team. As a freshman, Lauher played in all 17 games and earned an assist against ACC opponent Louisville.
Lauher returns to the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club after playing with their ECNL team in 2021 where she was named to the Mid-Atlantic All-Conference team.
As a Davidson, North Carolina native, Lauher was a two-sport athlete competing in both Soccer and Track & Field at Cannon School. She was named the Offensive MVP in 2018 and 2019 by her head coach. She earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2019 and Second Team All-Conference in 2018. In her final high school season, Lauher scored nine goals and earned 15 assists.
“Kendyl was only available to us for a portion of the season last year due to injury, and in the games she did play for us, she was extremely versatile and wanted to be involved however she could help the team,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “Her attitude and effort are great examples of what we look for in a player for our team and we are more than thrilled to see what she can do with a full season this year.”
The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. The women host the NC Courage U-23s at American Legion Memorial Stadium. View the full schedule at charlotteindependence.com.
