SPOTLIGHT: Kierstan Bell wins third WNBA championship title

Kierstan Bell (Holding phone) celebrates winning her third WNBA Championship with teammates during the trophy presentation. (Photo: Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - The number three holds significance for Kierstan Bell of Canton, as she played a pivotal role in helping the Las Vegas Aces capture their third WNBA championship. The Aces achieved this by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury 4-0, thereby claiming the title, which marks their third in four years. 

In the decisive series, Bell contributed for a total of 30 minutes, recorded ten points, and two rebounds.

Furthermore, she made two steals and one block. Additionally, she converted 2 out of 6 attempts from beyond the 3-point line.

Despite not winning a state title during her high school years, the number three carries considerable importance, as she was honored as Ohio Ms. Basketball in 2017, 2018, and 2019, indicating she was recognized as the top player in the state during those years. 

Only one other female has accomplished this feat in Ohio, Dee Alexander from Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati (2023, 2024, and 2025), but not before Bell became the first. Coincidentally, Akron, Ohio, native LeBron James is the only boy to ever accomplish this.

It could be said that she is around good company.

Bell poses for a team photo after winning the 2025 WNBA Championship. (Photo: Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Her journey began following her graduation from Canton McKinley High School in 2019, where she holds at least 75 school records, including points, rebounds, steals, field goal percentage, field goals made, and free throws made. She subsequently committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, where she earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team, among other honors, after playing in 29 games and making ten starts.

This was just one year before her transfer to Florida Gulf Coast University. 

Undoubtedly, her most outstanding college years were during her sophomore and junior years at FGCU, where she received accolades, including Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Additionally, she topped the conference in scoring during her junior year despite managing a knee injury, ultimately concluding her career at FGCU with numerous program and conference records. 

Bell was selected by the Las Vegas Aces during the first round as the 11th overall pick in 2022.

And the rest is history.

**Information gathered from the Ohio State Athletics and Florida Gulf Coast Athletics websites**