CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Wednesday the club had signed forward Colton Swan to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 18-year-old United States youth international signs his first professional contract having previously accumulated experience at the collegiate, professional and international levels.

Swan joins the Battery after competing for Indiana University as a freshman. With the Hoosiers, Swan was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team after recording three goals and three assists across 19 matches and claimed Freshman of the Week honors after his two-goal performance against Rutgers in the side’s regular season finale.

“The fans, environment and winning culture drew me to Charleston,” said Swan. “The past success of the Battery and Head Coach Ben Pirmann definitely excited me, but I am more focused on the next successes of this group. I am willing to do whatever is asked of me to help this group achieve our goals.

“As the college game is different to the pro game, I will have to adapt, but my mentality has been constant and will stay that way during the transition. Indiana University did a great job of pushing me and the program has as close to a professional environment as you will see in college soccer.”

Prior to Indiana, the 6-foot-2 forward was a rising star in the Colorado Rapids Academy and saw time with Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. Swan tallied six goals and three assists across 28 appearances in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and set an MLS NEXT Pro record for the fastest brace in league history after scoring twice within two minutes on March 7, 2025 against Austin FC II.

Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann is encouraged by what he’s already seen in the young professional.

“Colton is a unique prospect with a tremendous ability to improve,” said Pirmann. “He has physical traits that are beyond most 18-year-olds in this country, attacks the box well and is always looking to link up with his teammates. It’s clear Colton has a very strong growth mindset.

“Additionally, Colton has had great experiences for a young player, whether in college at one of the top institutions in the country, with the youth national team, or in his MLS NEXT Pro performances. For a young player coming into a top league, he has the ability to make an impact on this club, and we are excited for Colton to start his pro journey.”

On the international stage, Swan was called up to the United States U-18 national team for the UEFA Friendship Cup this past June. He scored in the first minute of his national team debut, against the France U-18s on June 1. Swan earned four total caps in the tournament, also facing Argentina, Australia and Portugal, as the side won the tournament.

Swan is now ready for his next adventure as a professional in Charleston.

“I look forward to meeting the fans and hopefully growing closer to them as the season goes on,” said Swan. “I’d be lying if I said the location didn’t have any influence. Being born and raised in Michigan, a little warm weather all year can go a long way. I can’t wait to see what the community has to offer, I’ve heard only great things. The fans are the 12th man and I’m excited to see a packed Patriots Point.”