Last November, the Ball State women's basketball program announced the signing of highly coveted recruit Nicole Bell.
But after the resignation of former head coach Kelly Packard, the tide turned for Ball State and Bell.
Prior to the signing of current coach Brady Sallee, the leadership of the Cardinals' program remained in question, and Bell wasn't in a position to sit around and wait to see what unfolded.
Instead, Bell, a native of Cincinnati, was granted her release from Ball State and signed with in-state and Big Ten rival Indiana, officially becoming a member of the 2012 recruiting class, according to the Indian Hill athletic department.
"Just during the month of Ball State trying to find a coach, some bigger schools contacted my high school," Bell said, via Facebook. "I ended up signing with IU."
Bell said she was taken aback when she signed with the Hoosiers' program, and is excited about all the challenges of playing in the Big Ten and trying to prove herself.
Bell, a point guard, is considered a two-star recruit by ESPN, and was given a grade of 83 out of 100.
When Bell initially signed with Ball State, Packard felt like she landed another piece to her young team.
"Nicole is a pure point guard," Packard told the Daily News. "Her leadership, aptitude for the game and relentless competitive spirit are the foundation for her basketball success. Nicole's poise and composure allow her to provide structure to the floor. Her strong aptitude for the game is reflected in the maturity of her pressured decision making."
Though signing with the Hoosiers will give Bell more exposure on the national level and stronger competition, her decision to de-commit was far from easy.
"The hard part was leaving the welcoming people at Ball State and the team," Bell said. "But in the end, I had to do what I believe is best for me. I wish Ball State the best of luck this year in the upcoming season."
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