Megan Oglesby, an Elon University alumna and principal investor of Carolina Core FC, has turned a personal passion for soccer into a catalyst for change in High Point, North Carolina.
The men’s soccer club competes in MLS NEXT Pro, the developmental tier of Major League Soccer, and has quickly become a fixture of the city’s downtown revitalization effort.
Soccer as a Springboard for Community Renewal
By drawing fans to matches, the team brings visitors who patronize local cafés, shops, and restaurants, while also creating new jobs that ripple through the regional economy.
Oglesby’s initiative aligns with a broader surge in soccer’s popularity across the United States, a trend underscored by the recent FIFA World Cup and the decision to host the tournament in North America.
Launching a professional franchise was not without risk; the entrepreneur recalls sleepless nights, financial uncertainty, and the need to build a brand from the ground up.
Her leadership style, she says, was shaped by the values instilled at Elon and by the legacy of the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, which has long supported community‑focused projects.
Together, these elements illustrate how investing in people and place can generate opportunities that extend far beyond the boundaries of the playing field.