CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence announced on Tuesday the signing of midfielder Callum Ross, who becomes the club’s first rookie addition to the squad this offseason. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Ross arrives in Charlotte after helping Wingate University claim the NCAA Division II National Championship this past fall. A 2016 All-South Atlantic Conference First Team selection, Ross netted 15 goals and recorded eight assists over his past two seasons with the Bulldogs as he helped the side win its first national title.

“It was massive,” said Ross of the championship. “It’s something I’ll never forget. I’m very appreciative of my coaches and teammates that were a part of that team.”

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Ross starts his professional career after forgoing a final year of eligibility for the Bulldogs after a medical redshirt in 2014.  He is now looking to take his collegiate success and translate it to the Independence.

“I had the opportunity to play with Wingate next season,” said Ross. “But winning the National Championship and the conference and everything we set out to do, I just think it was the right time to move on.”

The Independence will open their preseason schedule this Saturday in Charleston, S.C. when they square off with Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC. The club’s 2017 USL regular season will begin on Saturday, April 1st against the Charleston Battery.