Emma “Em” Bell i
s a returning player on the Messiah Women’s Basketball team. Bell is from the Lewisberry area and is a sophomore commuter student studying English with a teaching certification.
Bell plays the forward position for the team, and spoke about her own responsibilities on the team.
“The responsibilities of being a forward are expanding and the position is very important. We need to be able to shoot and drive the ball, along with setting good screens,” Bell said.
With having such a small team, Bell expects that the Falcons are going to experience changes. She is looking forward to seeing how not only her but also her team improves and adapts to the changes of what a new season brings. Bell hopes to make herself a threat on the court both defensively and offensively.
Bell was able to experience the MAC Championship last season. When talking about it she said it was such a great experience to be a part of. The energy on and off the court was unmatched. For the team to make it there again this season, Bell said they have to continue to work hard, work together, be willing to adapt, and to just be coachable. “Driven” was the word Bell chose to describe the basketball team’s culture.
“The culture is completely different in college. Coach Miller does such a good job of setting up a place where you don’t want to do good because you’re afraid of getting in trouble, you want to do good and make him proud because he is such a great guy and you know that he believes in you.”
Bell said the environment when with the team is always positive and encouraging and she is ready to see how their season is going to go.
“There is definitely an element of trust that we have to each other and we aren’t scared to hold each other accountable,” Bell said. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else to play basketball.”
“On the Sideline” focuses on the Messiah Women’s Basketball team. Each week, Rosie Schiano will highlight a player and keep you updated on the team’s performance as the season progresses.