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The following information was released Saturday morning (Sept. 18, 2021) by Kyle Taylor of the Langston University Sports Information Department.
Langston University and the Langston University Department of Athletics are shocked and saddened to announce that head softball coach Hosea Bell passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the age of 57.
“On behalf of the Langston University Department of Athletics, I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family, student athletes, friends and coaching colleagues of Head Softball Coach, Hosea Bell,” Langston University Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers said.
“Your laughter, kindness and lighthearted banter will be forever missed. Our lives are forever changed for having known you.”
Bell was head coach at Langston for eight seasons, taking over the softball program during the 2013-14 season. For his career, Bell tallied 795 career victories which placed him as the sixth winningest softball head coach in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
During his tenure leading the Lady Lions in the Red River Athletic Conference, Bell’s squads tallied one NAIA All-American, 14 Red River All-Conference first team selections, four RRAC All-Conference second team selections, one RRAC defensive player of the year and one RRAC player of the year.
Bell’s success continued when Langston University transitioned to the Sooner Athletic Conference in 2018 as he managed to tally up one NAIA All-American, three SAC All-Conference 1st team selections, six SAC All-Conference 2nd team selections, two SAC Honorable Mention selections and two SAC Gold Glove selections over three seasons in the SAC.
The Lady Lions were just as successful in the classroom under Coach Bell. Since 2017, the Langston University softball program has produced 16 NAIA Scholar Athletes, 16 SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll selections and 44 SAC All-Academic selections.
Most recently, Bell helped spearhead the creation of the National HBCU Softball Classic which developed through his leadership into the Red Dirt Classic held annually at the ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City, Okla. The tournament originally featured eight teams across the country and under Bell’s direction grew to feature 13 colleges and universities from across the country.
Prior to his arrival at Langston, Bell served as the head softball coach at Sterling College for 15 years beginning in 1999. At Sterling, Bell was also an assistant football coach and head men’s and women’s track coach. Other coaching stops included Kansas Newman College in Wichita, Kan. and St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kan.
Bell is survived by his wife Pam, nine children, Alyssa Bell, LaChelle Bryant, Ashli Bell, Hosea Trevonte Bell, Quentin Bell, Chrystopher Bell, Lyric Bell, Kendrick Bell, Ariana Bell, and grandbaby Meila Bryant.
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Here are some of the early tributes paid to Coach Bell through social media:
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our head coach Hosea Bell. He touched the lives of many and had a heart of gold! Please keep the Bell family and Langston softball community in your prayers. You will be truly missed Coach Bell 🧡 pic.twitter.com/oJZIWI4lMi
— Langston Softball (@LangstonSB) September 18, 2021
At a total loss for words this morning. World lost a genuine Man, Coach, Friend and a great Husband and Father. I’ll see you down the road my Brother. Rest easy Hosea Bell 💔😞 pic.twitter.com/LDJPskbkGJ
— Chad Kerr (@CoachChadKerr) September 18, 2021
The softball world lost an amazing coach & selfless soul last night — very grateful @curtis_coach introduced me to her “Why” and “softball Dad” a few years ago. He made everyone better. RIP, Coach Bell.
Prayers for Langston softball, the Bell family, & those he reached🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/LSpnqnAA1R— Coach Scarafiotti (Lee) (@CoachScarf) September 18, 2021
No words can describe how sad I am this morning. Last night I was just in disbelief upon hearing the news. Was supposed to see him tomorrow for our fall round robin. Definitely going to miss u my friend, the chats at the field about life and softball. Rest In Peace HB pic.twitter.com/DtMJlSyPNp
— Athletics Mercado NTX-Robinson (@AMNTX18u) September 18, 2021
— 🥎mariawinn🥎 (@CoachWinnGC) September 18, 2021
💙🧡💙🧡 #RIPHB you were one of a kind and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege of getting to know. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family and the softball world around him 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Zack Sigler (@zacksigler) September 18, 2021
Oh wow 😪 Back when I was playing with USW this man always complemented me on my game. He was funny, and you could tell he had love for his players. Sending out prayers too his family, players and community. RIP coach! https://t.co/qH3IJMTlgF
— Taly (@AintThatTalyy) September 18, 2021
A gentle, loving and caring soul gone so sudden and too soon! Coach Bell, you left A LEGACY! Your name will forever light up rooms, bring endless smiles and won’t ever be forgotten! Until we dance and laugh again..Rest In Peace🧡 We love you & will miss you Coach!!!💙 https://t.co/dZw4a3OtfF
— CAM🍯✨ (@cambinnooo) September 18, 2021
This man right here was one of the best coaches I ever had. He believed so much in me as a freshman and knew I would make a impact in the Langston Softball program. I just wish I could hug you one last time. Fly high Coach Bell this year is for you LLCB🕊❤️ https://t.co/pc2rjeNE3A
— Madison Slater (@MadisonSlater19) September 18, 2021