TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Wednesday the Charleston Battery’s Graham Smith had been voted the USL Championship Defender of the Year as the veteran center back put together a stellar campaign in his first season in the Lowcountry, helping the Battery post one of the best defensive records in the league.

The 2024 USL Championship Awards were voted on by club management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market following the conclusion of the 2024 USL Championship regular season.

“Winning this award means a lot for me as it’s a reflection of much more than just my individual season,” said Smith. “This honor is the culmination of the commitment put in by every member of the Charleston Battery community, including my teammates, the coaching staff, the front office and ownership, and the supporters. The club has put together a group of high-character, talented players that made coming into the locker room every day a privilege. It’s an honor to represent this club, and the goal is to achieve even more next year.”

A veteran of both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer, Smith joined the Battery last offseason as he reunited with Head Coach Ben Pirmann at Patriots Point. The 28-year-old established himself at the heart of Charleston’s defense, starting every game of the regular season, and ranked second in the league with 152 clearances and 113 aerial duels won at a success rate of 75.8 percent and third in the league with 1,804 passes completed at an 86.8 percent accuracy rate.

Smith also recorded 21 tackles at a 77.8 percent success rate, won 159 duels overall at a 72 percent success rate, and notched 92 recoveries and 28 interceptions. His performances helped the Battery rank fourth in the USL Championship with a goals-against average of 1.03 during the regular season and second in the league with an Expected Goals Against mark of 35.34xGA per Opta.

“Graham was the most consistent defender in all of USL and has been honored appropriately for his performances,” said Pirmann. “His ability to fit in straight away with other defensive players and goalkeepers allowed us to have such a successful season. Our team defending, especially along the back line, had an incredible season this year, in and out of possession. Graham started every match for us and was a major factor in the success of our club.”

Smith earned the award with 43 percent of the ballot. Sacramento Republic FC’s Jack Gurr finished second on 30 percent after recording a career-best eight assists while also recording 27 tackles at a 65.9 percent success rate, while Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s Matt Mahoney finished third on 27 percent as he led the Championship with 68 interceptions and ranked fifth in clearances with 135.