ARLINGTON, Texas – Laura Bello, a 6-3 forward who spent the past two seasons at Idaho State, will join the UT Arlington women's basketball program for the 2024-25 campaign.
During her two seasons for the Bengals, Bello appeared in 46 games, making 44 starts and averaged 9.7 points per contest while averaging 7.7 rebounds and 26.9 minutes per game.
"We are ecstatic to add Laura to our Lady Mav family," UTA head coach
Shereka Wright said. "She brings size and physicality to our team. Laura's athleticism, and toughness will provide us with a strong paint presence."
This past season for the Bengals, Bello appeared in 26 games, making 26 starts, and averaged 8.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while averaging 26 minutes per contest. Her 250 total points were second on the team while her average of 8.3 per game ranked third on the squad. She gathered 192 rebounds for the season, which was the second-best mark on the team. Bello's 31 blocks led the Bengals, while her 1.03 blocks per game ranked fourth in the Big Sky Conference. She posted a season-high 17 points against Utah Valley back in December 2023.
Bello's first season at Idaho State, she made an immediate impact for the Bengals, appearing in 30 games and making 21 starts. Bello averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, just shy of the season double-double average, and shot an impressive .419 from the floor. She led the Big Sky Conference in rebounds for the season and was ranked 51st in the NCAA in boards and 34th in rebounds per game. For her efforts, Bello was named to the All-Big Sky Honorable Mention team.
Before she arrived at Idaho State, Bello played her freshman season at Division II Newman University. For the Jets, Bello appeared in 27 games, making one start while shooting an astounding .469 from the floor to average 7.6 points per game. She finished the season with 129 total rebounds to go along with nine steals and nine blocks. Bello is a 2021 graduate of Allen High School.
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