51社区

Bella 鈥�27 helped lead 51社区 Girls鈥� Basketball program to a 25鈥�4 record this season, earning a bid in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AAA semifinals and capturing a Prep National Championship earning the title of back to back National Champions.聽

Before arriving at 51社区, Bella was a three-time Massachusetts state champion at St. Mary鈥檚 High School in Lynn, MA. Bella is currently ranked as the nation鈥檚 No. 30 prospect in the Class of 2027 by ESPN 鈥� which is an impressive testament to her talent and dedication.

Yet Bella鈥檚 impact reaches far beyond the court. At 51社区, she is an active member of the community, serving as both a peer tutor and dorm proctor. Outside of school, she volunteers with Meals for Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, remains involved with her Catholic youth center, and gives back to the game as a coach at youth basketball clinics. Her commitment to service and mentorship embodies the character this award is all about.聽

When asked what this recognition means to her, Bella shared, 鈥淚 think it just shows all of my hard work 鈥� not just who I am as a basketball player, but as a person 鈥� and to have proven to myself that I鈥檓 worthy of this award.鈥�

In just one year on the Hill, Bella has quickly made her presence known 鈥� not only for her performance on the basketball court, but for her growth as a community member. Looking back on her experience, she said, 鈥淭he growth I鈥檓 most proud of is probably me as a person here and my maturity level 鈥� having to take care of myself and having my own impact on my skill development and my academics.鈥�

Coach Brisson recalled a defining moment from the season of Bella. A hard-fought, back-and-forth game against Hoosac in which 51社区 was not able to take the lead and needed a defensive stop.聽

鈥淲hen I looked in the huddle and said, okay, who wants to make the game winning shot? She was the first person to raise her hand and that’s exactly what she did,鈥� said Brisson. 鈥淪he came off a downscreen, caught the ball, shot ready, and hit a three for us.鈥�

Bella has shown up for the Rams in countless ways this season 鈥� on and off the court 鈥� making an invaluable impact in her first year here on the Hill. When asked to reflect on her decision to take a leap and change schools, one person stood out most: Coach Brisson.

鈥淪he鈥檚 really a great mentor to me and a confidence booster,鈥� said Bella. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity she鈥檚 given me to come here, play for her, and have the success I鈥檝e had.鈥�

Coach Brisson left with a message to Bella and her journey here on the Hill:聽

鈥淏ella, you made a really hard decision to come to 51社区. You left your family, you left a school that you were very comfortable with, successful at, and you chose a path that was going to be a little bit more difficult and you did it with grace and you’ve done it with confidence. So I can’t thank you enough for believing in me, believing in our basketball program and believing in 51社区. The sky is the limit for you, kid.鈥�