From “Why Is She Here?” to “Who’s Gonna Stop Her?” — The Rise of Kierstan Bell

Kierstan Bell and then FGCU head coach Karl Smesko pose after the Aces won the 2023 WNBA Finals

Kierstan Bell’s Journey from College Star to WNBA Champion

Kierstan Bell’s basketball journey is far from ordinary. She played collegiately at both Ohio State University and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where she made a national name for herself. At FGCU, Bell won the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award twice under the leadership of head coach Karl Smesko who now coaches the Atlanta Dream.

Bell’s college success carried her into the WNBA, where she was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces. Since joining the league, she’s already secured two championships, solidifying her place as a young player with serious potential.

Early Season Criticism and Fan Backlash

Early into the 2025 season, Bell found herself at the center of online criticism. Fans questioned her production and even called for her to be traded. Troll pages went viral with fake waived announcements. The commentary reached a boiling point, prompting Bell to clap back during a TikTok Live, defending herself and addressing the negativity head-on.

Still shot of popular Youtube personality Quita Loves Sports reporting that the viral "waived" tweet was untrue.

Breakout Performance and New Role

Despite a rocky start to the season, Kierstan Bell has delivered multiple standout performances. She began the year coming off the bench but steadily earned more minutes and has now worked her way into the starting lineup.

In her first start since her rookie season, Bell dropped a career-high 19 points in a win over the Dallas Wings, a clear statement that she’s more than ready for the spotlight.

Coach Becky Hammon praised Bell during the postgame press conference, calling her a “ride or die” teammate and saying she was “a vibe.”

In her own interview, Bell emphasized that she’s always been a good teammate, regardless of playing time. Teammate Jackie Young backed her up, calling her “a pro” and applauding her readiness and impact in the win over Dallas.

Staying Ready Through the Rollercoaster

Bell described her season as a “rollercoaster,” but her focus and readiness have never wavered. She’s stayed locked in, embracing every opportunity that comes her way. That mindset and professionalism are now paying off.

As the Aces prepare to face the Los Angeles Sparks, Bell is expected to earn her second start of the season. With momentum on her side, her story is one worth watching.