Charleston Battery midfielder Zach Prince announced his retirement from professional soccer Wednesday afternoon. Prince, 28, spent his entire professional career with the Battery, making 87 starts during his seven seasons with the Club.
Prince’s 164 appearances have him ranked amongst the all-time leaders at the Charleston Battery. The Irmo native joins Paul Conway, John Wilson, and Dusty Hudock in the select group of players who have made over 100 appearances for the Club.
In addition to playing, Prince served as Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s assistant over the past several seasons, forging a unique bond between the two.
“Zach has been a tremendous player for the Charleston Battery for the last seven seasons on and off the field,” said Anhaeuser. “Zach is a true professional who would do anything for his team and Club. As his coach I am sad to see him go, but I can only wish Zach more success and happiness in his next chapter of his life.”
Although he’s taking a step back from playing, Prince plans to continue to coach at the youth level.
In lieu of an interview Prince elected to write a letter to all those who have supported him during his career in Charleston:
Dear Charleston Battery Supporters,
The past seven seasons have been an absolute dream for me. I dreamt of becoming a professional soccer player at a very young age and I am glad I was able to achieve that with this club. Every time I put on my yellow and black jersey, my heart beat a little faster, my mind focused, and my legs got a little more juice. I have all of you to thank for letting a little boy from Irmo, South Carolina achieve his dream. From the casual fan to the die hard members of The Regiment—you have all been so good to me and I genuinely appreciate it. I am now moving on to the next step in my life and will no longer be with the Battery in a professional role, but I will always be there in spirit. I cannot wait to see where this club goes and I only wish the best. Thank you again for all of the support.
– #24 -Zach Prince
