Story by the Forney Messenger

LONGVIEW—LeTourneau University head softball coach Mike VanBrocklin added former UT-Tyler standout Kate Bell as the YellowJackets assistant coach Wednesday.

Bell brings in a wealth of experience and accolades from UT-Tyler.

The native of Forney, Texas, was named to the 2008 All-American Southwest Conference East Division and conference all-tournament team. Her accomplishments continued into her senior year with all-conference first-team and all-region honorable mention honors as a senior as the Lady Patriots advanced to the NCAA Division III College World Series and finished fifth in the country.

Prior to her final two collegiate years at UT-Tyler, Bell spent two seasons at Hardin-Simmons where she was named All-ASC West Division Freshman of the Year, All-ASC West Division, All-ASC All-Tournament Team catcher, All-NFCA All-Region, Team Defensive MVP and Team Leadership as a sophomore. As a freshman, she hit four home runs.

In her final season at UT-Tyler, the first baseman/designated player hit .338 in games with 45 hits, 40 RBIs, 21 runs scored, was second on the team in homers with 14 and finished with four doubles.

“I am very excited in bringing coach Bell onto our staff,” said VanBrocklin. “The game experiences that she brings to the table are something that cannot be taught. She has played for two coaches in our conference that I respect a great deal, in coach Jordan and coach Reed, while playing in four conference and regional tournaments. She knows what it takes to win at this level.”

While Bell will work in many different areas, her primary responsibilities will include recruiting and working with catchers.

This story and any accompanying photo(s) were originally published in the Forney Messenger and are Copyright © 2009, Forney Messenger, Inc. and have been used by permission. The Forney Messenger is the publisher of Kaufman County’s oldest newspaper and may be found online at www.ForneyMessengerInc.com.