After helping lead Cal Poly Pomona Women's Soccer to a national championship, Bella Hara continued her remarkable athletic journey this summer—representing Guam on the international stage for the third consecutive year. The goalkeeper, known for her poise under pressure and fierce competitive drive, returned to international play with the Guam Women's National Team in the AFC qualifiers, showcasing her pride, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to her island heritage.

Hara's journey to international soccer began with a simple conversation. "There was a girl who came to Cal Poly Pomona trying to join the team, and she mentioned she played for Guam," Hara recalled. "I asked how she got involved, because I thought I might qualify too."

That curiosity led Hara to connect with the national team coach. After gathering extensive documentation—birth certificates of her parents, grandparents, and even her brother—Hara was officially eligible to represent Guam. What followed was a journey that took her from China to Saudi Arabia, and this year, to Cambodia and Vietnam.

This summer marked Hara's third tournament with the Guam national team. The squad first gathered in Cambodia for a training camp and a friendly match against the Cambodian national team, played in heavy rain and near-flooded conditions.

"We lost 1–0, but it was a good game for me personally," Hara said, noting she was named player of the match after registering at least 11 saves. "It gave us a solid baseline going into qualifiers."

After Cambodia, the team flew to Vietnam for the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifying rounds. Guam faced off against United Arab Emirates (a 0–0 draw), Maldives (a dominant 3–0 win), and regional powerhouse Vietnam, ranked in the top 40 globally.

The match against Vietnam was a steep challenge, ending in a 4–0 loss. But for Hara, the result didn't diminish the significance of the experience. "Vietnam just came off the World Cup and an Olympic appearance," she said. "For Guam, losing by four is a huge step forward. We used to lose by 20."

Despite the demanding international environment, Hara said the team dynamic closely resembled the tight-knit culture of her Cal Poly Pomona squad. "Guam is very family-oriented," she shared. "Even when new girls join, they're welcomed with open arms. Our locker room is loud, full of energy. That same atmosphere I had at Cal Poly Pomona carried over, and it makes playing feel joyful."

The support Hara felt from her teammates fueled her confidence throughout the tournament. As a recent graduate, returning to such a lively team environment was not only refreshing, but grounding.

For Hara, the highlight of her summer wasn't just the saves or the matches—it was the moment before kickoff, when the team sang their national anthem and a traditional chant-prayer in Guam's native language.

"It's something we had to learn and understand the meaning of," she explained. "To sing that with my whole heart, standing next to girls who love and support me, in a stadium with fans and drums—it's unforgettable. As a granddaughter of someone from Guam, it's the most amazing feeling."

She added, "The games go how they go, but knowing you're representing a people—that's everything."

As Bella Hara closes one chapter of her athletic career with Cal Poly Pomona and continues embracing her role with the Guam national team, her trajectory remains deeply rooted in pride, perseverance, and purpose. With her third international tournament behind her, she's not just stopping shots—she's helping build a legacy for Guam women's soccer.