A Father’s Legacy, God’s Calling: Kendrick Bell's Return to Sterling

The journey of Kendrick Bell is one marked by profound personal loss, spiritual growth, and a steadfast commitment to the values of family and community. His story is a testament to the transformative power of adversity and the unwavering bonds of love and support and it all began here in small-town Sterling, Kan.

Growing up in the tight-knit community of Sterling, Bell's childhood was a whirlwind of activity, especially with a father like Hosea Bell was an assistant football coach, head track coach and head softball coach for Sterling College from 1999-2014. From attending Sterling College games to spending time with his father in the dugout, to supporting one of his eight siblings' sporting events, and being highly involved in school activities and his own sporting pursuits, Kendrick's formative years were a cherished blend of family, sports, and community connections.

However, in 2014, as Kendrick was headed into his sixth-grade year, the family moved down to Perkins, Okla. as Hosea took a head coaching position at Langston University. Kendrick embraced his new surroundings, forming friendships and building connections within the community. Despite the geographical change, Kendrick's heart still held a special place for Sterling.

In 2021, when the opportunity arose for Kendrick to return to Sterling College and play football, he knew it was a calling he couldn't ignore.

"Sterling is home for me," Kendrick said. "Being able to go to a place where I knew I would be well taken care of and be surrounded by people who care about me and for me, is exactly what Sterling College is full of."

Kendrick's return to Sterling, however, was not without its challenges. After the third football game of his college career, he went home to be with his dad who was recovering from surgery on his pancreas. The surgery seemed to go well, and Kendrick even remembers his dad working on his laptop in the hospital the day after surgery, but things took a turn for the worst the following day.

"When I arrived, they told me that he had coded three times and they were trying to him stable," Kendrick recalls. "After some time had passed, and the medical staff walked out and said there was nothing else they could do, he was gone. September 17, 2021. That night I was lost. I had no idea what to do. All I knew was I did not want to go home because he wouldn't be there and I could not stand that.

The loss of his father was a devastating blow for Kendrick, leaving him with a void that seemed impossible to fill.

"For a while, it did not feel real," Kendrick admitted. "I was just numb to everything and had a lot of questions for God."

The pain and grief were overwhelming, but Kendrick found solace in his faith and the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother.

"My mom is the strongest woman I know," Kendrick said. "She reminded me of how much God has blessed us, even through this tough time. Her spiritual guidance helped me heal and brought me back to a relationship with the Lord."

The experience of losing his father also brought about a profound shift in Kendrick's perspective on life and sports. He learned to cherish and relish the moments with his loved ones and approach every game and coaching opportunity with gratitude and purpose.

"You never know when it may be your last day seeing someone on earth or playing in another game before your career is up," Kendrick said.

Despite the pain of his father's passing, Kendrick began to see God's work in his life through this difficult time. His spiritual growth and newfound perspective allowed him to embark on mission trips and engage in ministry work.

"I don't think I would have come to the point in my faith that I was able to get to without pulling away as much as I did," Kendrick said.

As Kendrick walked across the stage to receive his degree last spring, he knew his father would have been proud of him. After graduation, he followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in coaching at Sterling College.

"Seeing the long-lasting impact that coaches like my dad had on so many athletes is something I hope to reflect in my own career," Kendrick said.

Kendrick Bell's journey from Sterling to Oklahoma and back to Sterling College is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and faith. Through the pain of loss and the triumph of personal growth, Kendrick has found his purpose in coaching and impacting the lives of young athletes. As he continues to honor his father's legacy, he remains driven by the values instilled in him by his family and the community he loves.