By: Ryan Henry
Follow KSU Soccer - X / Instagram
DALLAS – Charlee Bernal,
Ava Bradford, and
Sydni Whitehead were tabbed for the 2026 Conference USA Women's Soccer All-Academic Team, announced by the conference office Friday afternoon. The three selections were the most by any CUSA team.
It's the first postseason accolade for Bradford while Bernal and Whitehead were both previously named to the CUSA All-Academic Team.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from KSU in the 2025-26 academic year, Bernal is pursuing a graduate certificate in AI & Cloud Technology with a 4.0 GPA. Bradford, a two-time Presidential Scholar, currently has a 3.88 GPA while studying biology. Whitehead, who has been a Top Flight Owl every term she's been enrolled at KSU, is majoring in marketing and has a 3.94 GPA.
Bernal, a 2024 CUSA All-Academic Team recipient, has been a stalwart in goal for the Owls. She has checked off numerous career milestones this season, becoming one of four goalkeepers in program history with 200+ career saves. For the year, she has stopped 71 total shots, ranking third in the conference.
Whitehead has earned her spot on the CUSA All-Academic Team in back-to-back seasons. The senior midfielder picked up where she left off last year, starting all 17 games for the Owls and playing nearly 1500 minutes. She has started in 72 straight contests dating back to her freshman year and has played 90 minutes in all but two matches in 2026.
Bradford is only the first-time honoree for the Owls. The Frisco, Texas native ranks second on the team in points at 11 while leading the Black and Gold with three assists. On Aug. 23 against Alabama State, Bradford had a four-point outing with two assists, becoming one of just six players in the conference to have two-plus assists in a single match this season. She scored her first career penalty kick against Delaware (Oct. 4) and picked up another score at Missouri State (Oct. 22).
The Owls are fighting for a spot in the CUSA Women's Soccer Championship, taking on FIU in the regular season finale on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
