Natalie Bell is a freshman at Barlow who has played volleyball for almost 6 years and is now playing for Barlow’s varsity volleyball team. Bell was named “first team as a defensive specialist” at the 2024 Mt. Hood Conference. She has had a great first season playing with Barlow and hopes to continue playing with her teammates in her future seasons.
At the end of any varsity sports season, all of the coaches from the conference get together and nominate players from each position to win first-team all-conference, second-team all-conference, and honorable mention. The players who win these titles get a certificate to show their accomplishment. Bell was a winner of the first-team all-conference, meaning she was chosen as the best defensive specialist out of all of the teams. “It feels amazing to be first-team all-conference. It is such a big accomplishment and shows the hard work that I’ve put into my sport. I’m so excited for the future,” Bell states.
Bell holds love for all of her teammates but was especially happy that she had the opportunity to play with her sister, Alexa Bell before she graduated. Bell and her sister have a strong relationship on and off the court. Bell’s sister was very encouraging and pushed her in ways that had beneficial effects on her individual and team skills. Her sister has had a huge impact on her first season playing for Barlow and made it a season to never forget. “Playing with my sister for my first season was definitely a highlight and it was great that I could experience it with her,” Bell said, truly emphasizing the bond they hold as sisters. Throughout her season this year, the moments that stood out to her were the moments when her sister would get a really good spike and Bell would get to congratulate her.
Although she is very invested and committed to volleyball, Bell has other hobbies that she enjoys. “I love going on walks, being in nature, and hanging out with my friends,” Bell says. Bell overall had an amazing season and enjoyed every moment, game, and practice she had with her teammates, coaches, and sister.
