Bell, Noland recognized as top newcomers from 2025-26
INDIANOLA, Iowa – From clutch goals to dominant defensive performances, Abby Bell and Noah Noland delivered standout first seasons for the Storm and have been named the 2025-26 SC ESPY Newcomers of the Year.
Bell transferred in and provided an immediate offensive spark for the women's soccer team, while Noland quickly developed into one of Division III's leading tacklers. Both newcomers earned all-conference recognition at the conclusion of their debut seasons in red and gold.
Abby Bell, women's soccer
Bell made an immediate impact in her first season with the Storm, earning First Team All-American Rivers Conference honors after ranking second on the team in goals (6) and points (19) while leading Simpson with seven assists.
The transfer forward delivered in key moments throughout the season, scoring game-winning goals against Monmouth, Central, and Buena Vista. Her offensive production helped guide Simpson to another double-digit win season and a top-three finish in the conference standings.
Noah Noland, football
Noland stepped into the starting lineup from day one and quickly established himself as one of the top defensive players in the American Rivers Conference and Division III. The freshman linebacker started all 10 games and earned Second Team All-A-R-C honors after helping lead Simpson to its first winning season since 2018.
Noland led the conference and ranked tied for third nationally with 127 total tackles while his 68 solo stops paced the league and ranked third in Division III. His tackle total marked the third-highest single-season mark in program history and the most by a Simpson player since 1995.
He recorded double-digit tackles in eight games, including three contests with 18 tackles, while also leading the team with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks. Noland added several game-changing plays throughout the season, blocking two PATs in Simpson's one-point victory over Loras and recovering a fumble against Central.
His standout freshman campaign earned him back-to-back A-R-C Defensive Player of the Week honors as well as consecutive appearances on the D3football.com National Team of the Week.
2025-26 SC ESPYS
Blake Perrin - Male Record-Breaking Performer of the Year
Jenna Thornburg, Emma Cooper, Molly Moore, Aubrey McDaniel (4x100 relay) - Female Record-Breaking Performers of the Year
Noah Noland - Male Newcomer of the Year
Abby Bell - Female Newcomer of the Year
