Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova Joins Carolina Ascent FC Ownership

Former tennis champion Martina Navratilova stepped into pro sports ownership by buying part of Carolina Ascent FC, getting her into the women's soccer game in Charlotte.

The winner of 18 major singles titles joined forces with Dan DiMicco to support the women's soccer club. The team competes in the Gainbridge Super League, which starts its second year of play.

"I never thought about it and this sounds like fun," Navratilova said per The Charlotte Observer. "When I realized the impact that they want to have on the community ... it's not about kicking the ball, winning. It's about this whole mentality and attitude that you bring to bring people together."

This month brought a major push into local action. The team linked with Dress for Success Charlotte, pledging funds for new buildings and getting players to work with women seeking financial freedom. The partnership aims to change lives through direct action.

During her visit to Charlotte, Navratilova picked up a brush and helped paint the new Dress for Success space. The site will feature a special Carolina Ascent FC area where job coaches meet with clients.

"I want to see the difference that this team makes in this town," Navratilova said to The Charlotte Observer. "I'm looking forward to meeting somebody 10 years from now and they say, 'Well, I went to a game and then I thought, well maybe I can be an architect.'"

She found her way to the team through Octagon Sports Management. Her path wasn't simple; Business North Carolina reported, "As a gay woman, the sponsorships weren't there."

At 68, she stands ready to guide the next wave of athletes. "If they want to call me or text me or email, whatever. If they have any ideas or questions or doubts, where I can help is what I will do," she shared with The Charlotte Observer.

Based in Charlotte, the Ascent plays among nine teams in their league. They showed their commitment to change by giving $100,000 to help women in need through Dress for Success.