CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence today announced defender Nick Spielman will return for the 2025 season, pending league and federation approval. Spielman was named to the 2024 USL League One All-League Second Team anchoring the Jacks back line during a competitive season.

"I am excited to have Nick anchor the back line once again. His composure and ability to find the right passes from the back have been vital in our build," shared Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "Most importantly, he is a strong defender, very good in one-versus-one situations and reading plays to cut out attacks."

Spielman led the league for the second consecutive year with 130 clearances, 76 headed clearances and 26 blocks. He added 84 completed long passes, 70 recoveries, 67 duels won, 24 interceptions, 10 chances created and four shots on target, all while completing 89.2% of his passes. Per American Soccer Analysis, Spielman led all players with a 51.49 passing score.

"I'm excited to come back to the Charlotte Independence as the city and fans are great," expressed Spielman. "This season I'm looking forward to coming back and pushing for a trophy after a disappointing season last year where I believe we could have done better. Personally, I'm looking forward to improving my game and helping the team win its first-ever trophy."

In 2023, Spielman recorded 176 clearances, helping the Jacks to 10 clean sheets. Spielman was one of six players to play in every game during the club's best-ever season, adding two goals and leading all field players in minutes played (3,155).

A Melbourne, Fla. native, Spielman played three seasons at East Tennessee State University before starting his professional career in NISA with Chattanooga FC. He appeared in 52 matches accumulating 4,060 minutes played and one goal scored across three years with Chattanooga FC.