The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Club Awards.
The slate of awards includes the Lou Salvatore, Sr. Players Award (voted on solely by the players), the Betsy McAdams Award (voted on by club management, candidates include members across the whole organization) and the Tim Hankinson Most Outstanding Player Award (voted on by the fans).
Lou Salvatore, Sr. Players Award: Jeremy Kelly
Kelly was selected by his teammates as the player who best exemplified the attitude, reliability, consistency, and character that were vital to the team’s togetherness, on and off the field.
Kelly has had a banner year in Charleston, his first full season since arriving midyear in 2025. His 10 assists across all competitions currently lead the team and match a career-high, along with putting him within reach of setting both a new single-season career-high (11) and club record (12) going into the playoffs. A versatile player capable of playing multiple positions across the midfield, Kelly was a runner-up in the USL Championship Golden Playmaker race.
The honor is named after Lou Salvatore, Sr., a down-to-earth, loyal, family man whose motto was “work hard and be good.” As an avid sports fan, he always gravitated to players who demonstrated the qualities of the award.
Betsy McAdams Award: Alaine Mills
Mills was named the winner by club management as the organization member who best displayed exemplary qualities of the game of soccer, community involvement, sportsmanship and contributions to the club.
A member of the MUSC Health and Wellness Institute staff, Mills has worked behind the scenes for the club as the team’s dietitian since 2022. Mills leads the culinary side of the team’s weekly preparation and recovery, including coordinating with team meal partners to support fueling and recovery for the players and teaching the squad about the importance of proper nutrition, which keeps them energized and reduces illness and injury. Often dubbed “Coach Alaine” by Head Coach Ben Pirmann, Mills said her favorite part of working with the team is helping and educating the players, answering their questions, and teaching them about fueling and nutrition that makes a lasting impact.
The award is named after Betsy McAdams, a co-founder of the club and former Battery COO, who passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle against cancer. McAdams was inducted into the USL Hall of Fame (Class of 2010) as a Builder. In addition to players, both club staff and supporters are candidates for this honor.
Tim Hankinson Most Outstanding Player Award: Joey Akpunonu
Akpunonu was selected by the fan vote for this award, and the defender has been a constant force on the back line for the Battery this year. In USL competitions, Akpunonu leads the team with 163 clearances and 255 accurate long balls, along with 24 blocks, 18 tackles won, 22 interceptions, 88 duels won, and three assists. Akpunonu’s 2,823 minutes played in USL action rank second on the team and set a new career-high.
The award is named in honor of club co-founder and the first Battery head coach, Tim Hankinson. Coach Hank was a pioneer in American soccer whose career spanned over 40 years and touched numerous clubs at various levels in addition to his time in the Lowcountry.
Congratulations to Jeremy, Alaine and Joey on their awards!
