Bell Earns All-American Status At NCAA Finals

Thursday, June 8

Austin, Texas

All Day

Murray State

NCAA Championship

Photo by: NCAA

6/9/2023 10:18:00 AM | Women's Track and Field

Kayla Bell placed tenth in the 800m run with a school record time to earn Second Team All-American honors.

Murray State track and field's Kayla Bell earns Second Team All-American honors after clocking a time of 2:02. 66 in the 800m run, renewing the school record she set at regionals by two seconds.

Bell just missed qualifying for the finals as she placed third in her heat and tenth overall.

"Dropping over two seconds from her previous PR and to do it at the right time is awesome and it's crazy that 2:02.66 didn't make the final," said head coach Adam Kiesler.

"Track and field is at another level these days!"

Bell's performance makes it two years in a row where the Racers have an All-American honoree. Rachel Hagans earned the honors after placing 12th in the national championships last year.

Bell entered the 2022-23 season with an 800m personal best of 2:08.34. She made a whopping 5.68-second improvement throughout the season.

"Coach Johnston has done an amazing job with her and yesterday really showed," said Kiesler. "We are very proud of Kayla!"

Meghan Fletcher is set to wrap up the Racers' season as she competes in the high jump Saturday.