Bell Named Interim Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse Program

Oskaloosa–William Penn University Athletics Director Nik Rule is proud to announce the hiring of Joshua Bell as the Interim Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach.

Bell was a three-year letterwinner as part of the William Penn men’s lacrosse program. He helped the team to a 22-15 record from 2020-2022, including a trip to the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals in 2021.

“Coach Bell has done an excellent job handling practices in the fall and preparing the team for the season,” Rule said. “As we were conducting our search, we realized that we had a leader right in front of us who was eager and ready to do the right thing for the program. He has provided significant value and stability, and we are pleased with how he has continued to build culture. Our student-athletes have progressed this fall with him and we are excited to see his passion for the program, the sport, and William Penn continue to benefit our women’s lacrosse team.”

A graduate of WPU in 2022 with a degree in Sociology, Bell was on the men’s lacrosse team’s leadership council.

“I am excited to coach and help develop this group of young ladies into an outstanding and cohesive unit, on and off the field,” Bell said. “I am very proud of the progress they have made so far. I am really looking forward to having a successful season and generating a family atmosphere that values team success and hard work.”

The Statesmen are coming off a 2022 campaign in which they finished 6-9 overall and 4-4 in the KCAC. William Penn will be in its first season as a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

“We were able to take a step back and assess how we operated over the last few months and recognized areas where we could improve,” Associate Athletic Director and SWA Aleesha Rabedeaux said. “We found an eager coach who really connected with our players and set up a more dynamic recruiting approach with an energetic recruiting coordinator, and the early results have been encouraging. This program has a great culture and remarkable student-athletes who care about the current and long-term success of William Penn women’s lacrosse.”