BRISTOL, Tenn. – King University director of athletics
David Hicks has announced the hiring of
Mark Bell as the University's next head men's soccer coach. Bell comes from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass., where he has served as the head men's soccer coach since 2016. In total, he brings 25 years of collegiate head coaching experience to the Tornado.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Mark and Catherine to the King family," said Hicks. "Mark's extensive experience at small, Christian colleges, his passion for making soccer a ministry, and his track record of success make Mark a perfect match for King."
This past fall, Bell led Eastern Nazarene to the program's first ever New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) regular season championship. That success came on the heels of the 2019 season, when Bell led the Lions to a 16-4 record and an NECC postseason championship. He earned NECC Coach of the Year honors following the 2019 season, which also included the program's first-ever berth in the NCAA Division III National Championship.
"I would like to first thank athletic director,
David Hicks, President Whitaker, and the rest of the search committee for giving me this wonderful opportunity to coach the men's soccer team at King University," said Bell. "I am extremely humbled and blessed at the chance to be able to take on this role. Throughout my time on campus, it was clear that King University is a very special place, with great people and I am delighted to be a part of that."
In his final two full seasons at Eastern Nazarene, Bell led the Lions to a total of 29 wins. Prior to Bell's arrival in 2016, the Lions managed just 26 wins in the previous five years.
"Mark has been a winner at every stage of his career, with multiple conference championships and NCAA/NAIA postseason appearances," Hicks continued. "He brings the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to build on our solid foundation and propel King to the top of Conference Carolinas."
Prior to his time at Eastern Nazarene, Bell spent 19 seasons as the head coach at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he amassed 180 wins and a .560 winning percentage. He led Cornerstone to 13 winning seasons, including five Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) championships, and was a five-time WHAC Coach of the Year.
"The mission of the University, along with its ability to develop each student-athlete, not only athletically, but also academically and personally, resonates greatly with me," Bell continued. "I believe King University has the unique capability to not only have an outstanding men's soccer program, but more importantly, to genuinely make a difference in each student-athlete's life and their community. I am eager to get going with the team, connecting with alumni and building relationships locally and abroad."
Bell earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and his Master of Education in Athletic Administration from Endicott College. He holds his National and Advanced coaching diplomas from the United Soccer Coaches Association.
Mark's wife, Dr. Catherine Mueller-Bell is a Professor of Counseling and a Missionary of Counselor Education. They have two adult sons, Zachariah, who lives in Australia and Joshua who lives in California.
Mark will begin his official duties at King on March 1.
