The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
VOLLEYBALL ALL-AMERICANS: Where are They Now? KHAT BELL
02.11.2016 | Volleyball
Longhorn Khat Bell is playing professionally in South Korea.
AUSTIN, Texas – Longhorn Khat Bell graduated from the University of Texas in 2015 as a three-time All-American. Bell and teammate Haley Eckerman became the first senior class to win all four Big 12 Championships, also advancing to three NCAA Semifinals in four years and earning the program's first National Championship since 1988 in 2012. Bell was named the 2012 COBRA Magazine National Defensive Player of the Year and finished fourth on the UT career chart in blocks per set with 1.17.
Bell is now playing professionally in Korea for GS Caltex:
Q. How has your season been so far this year?
KB: So far so good! We are in fourth place right now. Just seven points away from being in playoffs, so we are still fighting to get there.
Q. How has the transition been from college to playing professionally in Korea?
KB: It has been okay. You learn a lot about your body playing here, like how much you can endure and how much you can't. The transition was not too difficult, but definitely was not easy.
Q. What is the thing that has surprised you the most about living abroad?
KB: The fact that I can actually live in another country. I never thought in a million years that I would live somewhere else besides the states. The fact that I got here and stayed is surprising.
Q. Have you learned any Korean?
KB: Yes, quite a bit actually. I understand more than I can speak. I can't I have a full-blown conversation, but I usually am pretty good when someone is trying to tell me something.
Q. What do you love the most about Korea?
KB: The country. Korea is a beautiful place and kind people live here. I love the culture!!!
Q. How is your living situation?
KB: I live with my mother and translator. It's fun living with them, but it's hard to deal with two people especially when I'm used to living alone or with just one person. But it has been a really good time.
Q. What is your training regime like?
KB: It just kind of depends what mood Coach is in. We usually practice twice a day. Sometimes we do weights in the morning, then ball practice in the afternoon. Or we can do half ball practice and hen weights in the morning and then ball practice in the afternoon. Most of the time we pray for off days!
Q. Do you keep in contact with your Texas teammates?
KB: Yes, all the time! I don't think even a week has gone by that I haven't talked to at least two of them...yeah so pretty often. I miss them and love them so much.
Q. Do you have any advice you want you give the players now for their next steps in life?
KB: Have and open mind, for sure. Stay positive and enjoy your experience, because they are memories that you will have when you are older. Also, remember how blessed you are to play professionally, because some never make it to this level.
Q. What do you miss most about back home?
KB: My friends and Mexican food.
Q. Do you have a favorite moment from your years with Texas Volleyball?
KB: I think everyone will agree that winning the national title is the most memorable, but I miss dancing in the locker room before matches with the girls.
