Charleston Battery have signed former University of North Florida defender Jay Bolt for the 2018 season, pending USSF and USL approval.

Bolt played at UNF from 2013-2016 and was an integral part of the Osprey’s defense all four seasons. Bolt started over 50 matches for UNF and served as team captain his senior year. The 5-7 outside back earned several All-Conference and All-Region honors and led his team to the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season and tournament championships throughout his time at UNF.

“I’m really excited to become a part of this club,” said Bolt. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

The 2018 USL season will be Bolt’s first as a professional, however, the Jacksonville, Florida native has playing experience beyond the collegiate level. In the summer of 2016, Bolt played in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) with Jacksonville Armada U23s. Bolt also trained with the Battery in the summer of 2017 while working back from an injury that sidelined him for a few months last spring.

Bolt is the 12th player to be added to the Battery’s 2018 roster, joining Quinton Griffith, Jarad van Schaik, Taylor Mueller, Ataulla Guerra, Neveal Hackshaw, Skylar Thomas, Kotaro Higashi, Ian Svantesson, Joe Kuzminsky, Nico Rittmeyer and Tah Brian Anunga.



Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser will host the first of two open trials this weekend at MUSC Health Stadium. The trials begin Friday, January 26 at 1:00 PM and continue Saturday, January 27 at 9:00 AM. All events are free and open to the public. For more information about trials, visit charlestonbattery.com/trials.