Bella Soyinthisane

Bella Soyinthisane’s soccer journey is one of dedication, family influence, and a love for the game. Hailing from Fresno, California, Bella’s path to becoming a collegiate athlete at Fresno Pacific University (FPU) began humbly and has blossomed into a story of achievement both on and off the field.

Bella’s introduction to soccer started in fourth grade, inspired by watching her younger brother play and her dad coach. Recreational soccer became her first arena, where she discovered her passion for the sport and the camaraderie of team dynamics. By fifth grade, her love for the game led her to join a travel soccer team, sparking a commitment to club soccer that has defined much of her athletic career.

“My dad and brother’s involvement in soccer really inspired me,” Bella reflects. “I fell in love with the sport and the concept of team sports early on, and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since.”

Over the years, Bella sought more competitive opportunities, moving between various local clubs to find the right environment to challenge her skills. Her journey eventually led her to Clovis Crossfire, a team in the Girls Academy (GA) soccer league, which represents one of the highest levels of youth soccer in the Fresno area. Bella joined the Crossfire team in 2021, during her freshman year of high school, and considers it one of her greatest achievements. In addition to her club success, Bella has been a standout player for Clovis East High School, where she has earned the distinction of being a four-year varsity athlete. In her junior year, her exceptional play earned her a spot on the TRAC 6 (Tri-River Athletic Conference) First Team, highlighting her as one of the top players in the league.

Bella’s leadership extends beyond soccer. Academically, she excels as the president of the National Honor Society and serves as the Associated Student Body Treasurer at Clovis East. Her ability to balance academics, athletics, and leadership roles exemplifies her drive and work ethic, traits that will undoubtedly serve her well in college and beyond.

When it came time to decide on her next steps, Bella chose to stay close to home by committing to Fresno Pacific University. For Bella, FPU offered the perfect blend of community, academics, and athletics.
“I really enjoyed the tight-knit community at FPU,” she explains. “It allowed me to stay in the Fresno area, close to my friends and family, while also fulfilling my dream of playing college soccer.  Bella plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a focus on accounting, combining her academic ambitions with her athletic goals.

Bella’s family roots trace back to Champassak, Laos, from where her father’s family immigrated to the United States in 1981 when he was just four years old. Her Laotian heritage is a source of pride and identity that she carries with her as she navigates her collegiate journey.

As she embarks on her college soccer career, Bella’s primary goal is to savor the experience and make the most of this opportunity. “I want to enjoy the college soccer experience and continue growing as a person and player,” she says.

Fresno Pacific University is an NCAA D2 program in the Pacific West Conference.