Bryant University Women's Softball

Bell will begin her third season with the Bulldogs in 2026. Coaching Accolades Bell has a record of 56-39 (.589 win PCT). Named Co-Coach of the Year in 2024. Has coached 15 All-Conference Selections. Made an America East Championship appearance in 2025 (First time in DI Program History). Set the DI Program Record for wins in a season (34) in 2024. Coached Kylie Kenney who set the DI program record for Ks in a career (336). Bell began her second season as head coach in 2025, leading the team to there first AE Championship appearance in program history. The Bulldogs finsihed the season with a 22-32 overall record and an AE record of 10-10 (the second consecutive season of 10+ conference wins. Six players earned all conference honors. The Black and Gold are 56-49 in two seasons under coach Bell and have a home record of 24-7. In her first season as head coach the Bulldogs tallied a 34-17 record and a 14-7 conference record. The mark of 34 wins was the most in DI program history and it was the first year the Black and Gold had ten-plus wins in the America East. Bryant went 16-3 at Conaty Park also setting the DI program record.  The Bulldogs had nine players make an All-Conference team, inlcuding the entire infield earning first-team selections, which was the first time in the conference since 2008. Bell was named the Co-Coach of the Year, and Makenna Coleman earned AE Rookie of the Year. Bell comes to Bryant after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh for the past two seasons. The Panthers had two players earn All-ACC and All-Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, including first baseman Sarah Seamans who was one of nine players to earn Rawlings Gold Glove recognition.  A native of Tampa, Florida, Bell was an assistant coach at Quinnipiac in 2021 and at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Fla. for two seasons.  "I'm extremely excited about the future of the Bulldog softball program!" Bell said. "I'm humbled and very grateful for everyone that was a part of my hiring process and look forward to accomplishing some amazing things with this team and University. Go Bulldogs!" A standout collegiate player, Bell was part of back-to-back Women's College World Series teams at LSU in 2015 and 2016.  She started 253 games and was the fastest player to record 100 RBIs in LSU history. A four-time All-SEC selection, she earned all-region honors all four years and was named an NFCA All-American twice. Following her collegiate career, Bell played both internationally and professionally. Bell won a silver medal at the World Cup of Softball and won gold at the WBSC Women's World Championship and Japan Cup.  Drafted by the Pennsylvania Rebellion in the National Pro Fastpitch draft in 2016, she would sign with the USSAA Pride where she won back-to-back regular season titles.  What They're Saying about Coach Bell Beth Torina - Head Coach at LSU "What a great day for Bryant Softball! Success follows Bianka Bell everywhere she goes and she will surely provide incredible opportunities for the Bryant program. Bianka has a special energy that makes people gravitate to her and I know her players will feel this right from the start. Her knowledge and passion for the game will lead the way for an exciting future for Bryant!" Kara Dill - Head Coach UT-Arlington "From witnessing her dynamic playing and coaching career, anytime Bianka Bell steps on the field good things happen. This is such an exciting hire. All the best to Bianka and the Bulldogs!" Fale Aviu "You're not only getting an All-American player with World Series experience in Bianka Bell, but you're getting a great coach and person who cares for each of her athletes. She goes above and beyond for her players and approaches each day with a mentality to get better. I'm so excited for the women at Bryant as I know they'll be well taken care of. I believe Bianka will bring a whole new perspective to the program while making it a positive and fun environment for each player. I just became a Bulldog fan with this hire!" Lance McMahon - Assistant Coach at Alabama "Congratulations to Bryant University on hiring an outstanding coach and an even better person! Bianka's passion for the game is so evident and every student-athlete will be better under her leadership. Bianka is a true student of the game and she will make an immediate impact at Bryant!"  

Kat Rodriguez begins her first season as an assistant coach in 2025-26. Rodriguez comes to Smithfield after a standout collegiate career that ended in First Team All-America honors last spring as a graduate student at North Carolina.  "This is such a full-circle moment for me. I had the chance to coach Kat as a player, and now I get to coach alongside her", said coach Bell. "She's sharp, eager to learn, and passionate about the game, and I know she's going to help elevate this program in every way. Kat gets what Bryant Softball is about and will be key in upholding the standards of our culture and program. Couldn't be more excited to have her on board, Go Bulldogs"! Rodriguez began her career at Quinnipiac in 2020 before spending three seasons (2021-24) at Pittsburgh, crossing paths with Bell during her time with the Panthers. She played her final season at UNC in the spring of 2025 and hit .435 with 83 RBI on her way to Softball America First Team All-America honors. Rodriguez was the Tar Heels everyday second baseman and her 83 RBI were a single-season program record, while her 57 runs scored were the second-most. Rodriguez was also named DI Softball First Team All-America, NFCA Third Team All-America, First Team All-East Region and First Team All-ACC. "I'm super excited to join the Bryant family! Getting the chance to work alongside my former coach and All-American Bianka Bell is such a full-circle moment", said coach Rodriguez. "I also can't wait to hit the field with this amazing group of girls. I'm so eager to get to work, Go Bulldogs"! In addition to her collegiate playing career, Rodriguez has played for Team Colombia since the age of 15, competing in the Bolivarian Games in Valledupar, Colombia, in June of 2022 and earned a silver medal to help Team Colombia qualify for the Pan American Games in October of 2023.