Houghton University Athletics

Joel Prinsell was one of the first in a long line of stellar Highlander men's soccer goalkeepers.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Prinsell actually spent his early years in Sierra Leone, West Africa where his parents served as medical missionaries for the Wesleyan Church. When he was 9 years old, his family moved to Houghton and Prinsell attended Fillmore Central School. A three-year starting goalkeeper in high school, Prinsell says he owes his interest and accomplishments in athletics to three older brothers. He says: “We loved sports, and still do, and were always very competitive with each other and with other kids.”

Prinsell didn’t go far to continue his playing career, entering Houghton in 1973. His decision to stay close to home to play was influenced by his experiences watching Houghton Purple & Gold soccer and football games as a child. The small size, Christian liberal arts focus, and influence of family and friends who attended here were also a factor.

During his four years as a Houghton goalkeeper, Prinsell set a program mark of 28.5 shutouts that stands to this day. That number is even more remarkable considering he played in just two games and recorded no shutouts during his freshman campaign.

He was a member of Highlander teams that went 51-17-9 from 1973-1976. As a junior and senior, Prinsell's teams played in back-to-back NAIA National Tournaments. He was named Second Team NAIA All-Area VII as a junior and First Team NAIA All-District 31 following his senior season. He says that his experiences as a Houghton athlete were very fulfilling and points to his team’s appearance at the NAIA Tournament at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California as especially memorable. The team’s 24-1 home record over his last two seasons was also a highlight.

Prinsell points to Coach Doug Burke as a key influence in his life while in college.

Despite a busy athletic schedule, Prinsell still found time to excel in the classroom, spending many long hours and nights in the library. His intentional balance between athletics and academics helped him to do well in both areas.

After graduating from Houghton in 1977, Prinsell received a Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1981 and has been a practicing attorney in Florida since that time. He started as a law clerk and then moved his way through the district attorney offices in Charlotte and Orange counties, where he now serves as deputy county attorney. He says he loves being able to serve the public in his position.