Balancing Football and Futbol: Get to Know Bella Antonio
9/14/2026 11:15:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Charleston, S.C. - Bella Antonio is a senior forward and driving force behind the College of Charleston women's soccer attack, but the soccer pitch is not the only field where she has made an impact. Coming from a soccer-oriented family, Antonio also spent a large portion of her athletic career playing American football.
A senior out of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Antonio began playing football at a young age. She eventually became the kicker for North Ridgeville High School's football team, balancing Friday night lights with commitments to the soccer team.
"In Ohio, we play soccer at the same time as we play football," said Antonio, "so that definitely made for a very interesting time and lots of running around, but I literally wouldn't have changed it for the world."
During her high school football career, Antonio converted multiple field goals, once recovered her own onside kick for a touchdown, and even added a tackle to her stat line.
At the same time, she was making her mark on the pitch. Antonio finished her high school career as the program's record holder in assists (49), and points (157), while totaling 54 goals.
Soccer has always played a major role in the Antonio household. Her father, Denzil, is originally from England and came to the United States when he was 13. He went on to play indoor professional soccer and was named the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) Defender of the Year in 1990-91.
Antonio's mother, Mindy, played collegiate soccer at Mount Union, and served as an inspiration for her daughter as a woman competing in athletics.
Despite her family's soccer background, Antonio states that her parents always allowed her to follow her own path in sports.
"My parents never really forced it on me," Antonio said. "They gave me the choice of doing what I wanted to do, and that's how I ended up playing different sports."
Now in her senior season with the Cougars, Antonio has emerged as one of Charleston's offensive leaders. Through the first nine matches, she leads the team in goals (5), points (10), shots on goal (8), and game winning goals (3).
Antonio is also a perfect 2-2 on penalty kicks, tying for the national lead in converted penalty kicks. Her three game-winning goals lead the CAA and are tied for second nationally.
Beyond her production on the field, Antonio serves as a captain for the squad and values the relationships that have shaped the team throughout the season.
"Off the field, the dynamic of our team is literally one of a kind," Antonio said. "I don't think there is another team in the nation that is like our team."
"The way that our friendships are, and then the way we take that care from off the field to on the field, it truly makes all the difference in the world. Especially when we're playing and hard things happen, you know that person knows how to help you both on and off the field.
"I'm so excited for conference play," Antonio exclaims. "I think this team is as strong as ever. I have so much faith in everyone that's around me/behind me."
Charleston will begin its CAA slate on Saturday, September 19 when the Cougars host William & Mary at Patriots Point.
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