Charli Grafton '26 played for the Screaming Eagles from 2022-26 and helped lead USI's defensive unit. Grafton made 72 starts in 76 games played, totaling 6,245 minutes on the field. She played every minute in 50 matches and contributed to 27 defensive shutouts.
Grafton also recorded nine points off four goals, including two game-winning goals, and an assist. Both game-winning goals came in the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, propelling USI to its first-ever OVC semifinals appearance and leading to an OVC All-Tournament selection.
Grafton was a two-time All-OVC Second-Team selection in 2023 and 2024. She was also named OVC Defensive Player of the Week four times in her career, twice in 2023 and twice in 2024. Grafton was a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection and a four-time OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll member.
Prior to USI, Grafton was a three-sport athlete at Camas High School in Camas, Washington, where she competed in soccer, track, and cross-country. She was a state champion and an All-State Second-Team honoree in soccer. Grafton played club soccer for the Beadling GA (Pittsburgh) and WA Timbers teams from 2018 to 2021.
