Troy Bell made an immediate impact in his debut season as head coach of the West Liberty University women's wrestling program, guiding the Hilltoppers to a 9-3 record in their inaugural campaign. Under his leadership, five wrestlers qualified for the 2025 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships: Skyelar Smith, Grace O’Korn, Jeulenea Khang, Janiya Brogan, and Jamie Shapton.
Bell was officially introduced as the first head coach in program history on May 7, 2024, bringing a deep resume of experience and leadership to the Hilltop. Prior to joining West Liberty, he served as the assistant women’s wrestling coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mount Olive (2022–24). During his two-year tenure, the Trojans compiled a 16-7 dual meet record, produced 10 national qualifiers, three All-Americans, and 10 Scholar All-Americans. In March 2024, Mount Olive earned a top-10 finish (9th place) at the NCWWC National Championships.
A retired Master Sergeant/E8 in the United States Marine Corps, Bell served with distinction for 26 years, retiring in 2014. His military honors include three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals—each awarded for exceptional leadership.
With over 40 years of experience in wrestling as both an athlete and coach, Bell has been a driving force at the club, high school, Marine Corps, and collegiate levels. His coaching career spans more than 27 years, during which he has developed and mentored:
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8 Adidas High School All-Americans
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3 NHSCA High School All-Americans
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5 high school state champions
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3 state runners-up
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24 state placers
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1 female Fargo National Champion
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2 female Fargo All-Americans
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4 freestyle state champions
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2 Greco-Roman state champions
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21 freestyle state placers
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Bell is a USA Wrestling Bronze Certified Coach in freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle, and previously served as the head coach for the Michigan National Team.
