CANTON — The line stretched around the floor of the Memorial Field House where Kierstan Bell held court as a high school basketball player.
This time, Ohio’s only three-time Ms. Basketball winner was at a meet and greet table, signing posters, basketballs and shirts and posing for photos. The adults in line remembered her as McKinley’s greatest girls basketball player. Some young girls were just thrilled to meet one of their own who fulfilled her dream of playing in the WNBA.
Bell returned to her roots Wednesday afternoon at the Field House. It was the first time she held an autograph session on the field where she once played. This probably won’t be the last time.
“I woke up one day and said, ‘I’m going to pick a day and have a meet-and-greet for all the little kids to come take a picture and get autographs,'” Bell said. “As a member of the WNBA, I wanted to show young girls that I was where they are and that it’s possible.”
Bell recently completed his third season with the Las Vegas Aces. She will soon leave Africa to play professionally. When she returns home, she hopes to host another event at the Field House.
“I want to have a camp when I get back from Africa,” Bell said. “I’m looking to talk with the coach to see when there will be good days. I think it would be good to get in there and train with the girls.”
Interest in the WNBA has been fueled this season by Caitlin Clark arrived in Indiana. Attendance was at its highest level in 22 years. Viewership across all television platforms reached a record 54 million.
Bell knows it’s the perfect time to play in the WNBA.
“Last year was great,” Bell said. “A lot has changed. Every year we hope things will improve. We have a new team (the Golden State Valkyries). The WNBA is growing. It’s just going to continue to help women’s basketball.
“A lot of people are interested in having a WNBA team. There’s a lot of talent there. It’s a shame that people have to be left out or can’t be on a team because there isn’t not enough places or not enough money.”
Expansion could even soon make its way. Rock Entertainment Group, owner of the Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert announced Wednesday that he was looking for a team for Cleveland.
“I hope they can get one,” Bell said. “It would be nice to come home and maybe play for your hometown.”
A familiar face will be on the opposing bench next season.
Bell played for former Walsh University women’s basketball coach Karl Smesko on the Florida Gulf Coast. Last week Smesko was hired as head coach of the Atlanta Dream.
“He knows how to win no matter where he is,” Bell said. “I support him and I can’t wait for him to join the league and show everyone what he can do.
“They have a good one, and he has a good team right now.”
Bell won championships in his first two seasons with the Aces. Injuries have set her back this year. Las Vegas’ bid for a three-peat title also failed.
Even though her role isn’t as big as it was when she played at the Field House, Bell is grateful to be where she is.
“In the WNBA, you want to do things to get a job and keep it,” Bell said. “You get paid to go play in front of a lot of people.”
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This article was originally published on The Repository: Las Vegas Aces forward Kierstan Bell returns to his Canton roots
