Being able to represent your country on the international stage is a dream cherished by soccer players around the world. But for Kyle Halehale, a 21-year-old midfielder for Central Connecticut State University’s men’s soccer team, this dream became a reality when he was called up to play for the Guam National Team during last month’s World Cup Qualifiers.
“When I was a kid, it was always one of my dreams to represent my island, and luckily, I got the opportunity to represent my country a few times,” Halehale said. “I’m really proud and grateful to be selected to represent Guam on an international stage.”
Halehale’s journey began at a young age. His first call-up to play for Guam happened when he was 16 years old, making him the youngest member of the squad at the time. While Halehale didn’t get much playing time, he did gain valuable experience that helped him to have a larger role today.
Halehale’s selection for his national team was celebrated by his teammates and coaches, who rallied behind him, offering their congratulations and well-wishes.
“They were all proud, congratulating me and wishing me good luck,” Halehale said. “They actually watched the game too. It was at 7 p.m. in Singapore (7 a.m. Eastern Time), and everyone was up before practice. I sent them the link so they could watch. I got a lot of really nice messages after.”
Halehale’s journey from Connecticut to Guam and back for international duty was an exhausting endeavor, especially in the middle of the school year. The extensive travel, spanning over 20 hours, took him from the East Coast of the US and across the Pacific.
“It was tiring,” Halehale said. “It started with the journey to Denver, then Denver to Los Angeles, then a 14-hour flight to Manila in the Philippines.”
While Guam would be defeated by Singapore 2-1, the next game was a homecoming for Halehale as the team traveled back home.
The community took a break from their responsibilities to watch and support their team. For Halehale, it meant a lot to see people taking time out of their day to watch him.
“People came out of work, even the firefighters,” HaleHale said. “It’s really cool seeing the community come together. I’m a lucky individual because there are so many great players that can never represent their country on a stage like this.”
Before every game, Guam’s national team performs their version of a haka, a ceremonial Māori war dance meant to fire themselves up and intimidate their opponents. It’s a ceremony that leaves Halehale feeling a deep sense of pride.
“It brings tears to my eyes,” Halehale said. “It makes me really think about where I’m from, where I’ve been, and the place I was born and raised. It means a lot to be able to play in front of all of these kids and my family, as well as other people’s families.”
Halehale talked about the importance of briefly seeing his family while he was back, something that he rarely gets to do 8,000 miles away in New Britain, Connecticut.
“My brother skipped school, my sister left school early, my mom and dad left work, and they all came to support me,” Halehale said. “I was also able to have dinner with them afterwards. It was nice because I don’t have the opportunity to play in front of my family week in and week.”
Halehale talked about what it was like growing up in Guam and highlighted the differences between the island and Connecticut.
“I’d start with the weather. I’m wearing pants now, but I’ve never owned a pair of pants in Guam,” Halehale said. “I’d only wear jeans for church or for a special occasion, but I’d always wear shorts because it’s so hot there.”
“The beach is always around, so you’re there all the time,” Halehale added. “You’re always playing outdoors with your friends. The culture is very different; it’s very family-oriented. People are always willing to help you, and everyone is super nice.”
But while Guam may have offered better weather, it didn’t offer the opportunities Halehale needed to advance as a soccer player. He aspired to move to the U.S. and play in an academy system where he could develop his skills against a larger pool of talent.
He was accepted to the San Jose Earthquakes Academy but had to turn the chance down due to the high cost of living in California and his parent’s unwillingness to leave Guam.
He decided to play Division I college soccer, and that’s where CCSU head coach David Kelly came into the picture.
“Coach Kelly took a risk and recruited me to join the team,” Halehale said. “I had a good CV and experience playing for the Guam Men’s National Team. Four years have gone by, and I’m still here.”
Looking towards his future, Halehale remains passionate about the game of soccer and dedicated to reaching the professional level.
“I’ve always said ever since I was a kid that I wanted to be a professional soccer player. It’s still one of my dreams,” Halehale said. “I’ve put so much time and effort into it. I got a taste of it for three weeks by representing my country. It gives me that little itch like I want more.”
As Halehale’s journey continues, there’s no doubt that his determination, passion, and love for the game will guide him toward a promising future. Whether it’s on the pitch at CCSU, wearing the Guam national team jersey, or pursuing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player, Halehale is an embodiment of the phrase: it doesn’t matter where you come from. It matters where you go.
