Greenville Triumph founder Joe Erwin steps down as chairman

The founder of Greenville Pro Soccer LLC is stepping down from his role as chairman.

Joe Erwin started the city’s first professional soccer team in a move that has since led to teams for men and women, as well as developmental programs for young players and the construction of a stadium currently underway in Mauldin.

The entrepreneur and advertising virtuoso announced his plans to staff and players of the Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty Clubs on Tuesday.

Erwin remains an owner of the team and continues to serve on its board, according to a news release.

Since establishing the Triumph in 2018 as Greenville’s first professional soccer team, Erwin’s leadership has transformed the Upstate South Carolina soccer landscape, according to the organization.

“From my days playing soccer at Eastside High School to watching the Triumph lift trophies and seeing young girls inspired by our Liberty players, this journey has exceeded every expectation,” Erwin said in the release. “The players, the fans, the staff — they’ve all become family to Gretchen and me.”

The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has distinguished itself not only through on-field success but through its commitment to the community. The organization believes deeply in building strong foundations, fueling sustainability and growing a fan base that celebrates the diverse, historic neighborhoods of greater Greenville and the families who call the Upstate home, the release stated.

“Sports have this incredible ability to bring people together, to celebrate, to cheer and to unite people of different backgrounds,” he said in the release. “That’s why we chose the name Greenville Triumph SC. When we’re together, our community truly triumphs.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we are building together — not just the wins and the trophies, but the connections we are forging and the young people we are inspiring.”

The timing of Erwin’s transition comes as the organization prepares for its next chapter with the 2026 scheduled opening of their purpose-built soccer stadium at Bridgeway Station.

“Joe didn’t just bring professional soccer to Greenville — he created something magical,” said co-owner Wallace Cheves, chairman of Groupo Ronaldinho and a Greenville real estate developer and entrepreneur. “Joe has built an organization that embodies the very best of what sports can be: inclusive, inspiring and deeply connected to the community it serves. His vision will continue to guide us as we move into our new stadium and the next phase of our growth.”

In 2022, Erwin launched the Greenville Liberty, the Upstate’s first pre-professional women’s soccer team. The Liberty serves as a crucial bridge in the women’s soccer pipeline between college and professional soccer, featuring current and former collegiate stars and elite youth players with ties to the Upstate. Since its inception, several Liberty players have gone on to sign professional contracts, according to the release.

The clubs will announce details regarding leadership transition in the coming days, the release stated.

The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club is playing its sixth season in USL League One, the third division of American professional soccer. The club is a three-time finalist and 2020 USL League One Champion. The Greenville Liberty, a women’s pre-professional team, played its inaugural season in the USL W League in 2022.