FORT LAUDERDALE – St. Thomas Aquinas girls basketball standout Bella LaChance has committed to Vanderbilt University.

The shining star averaged 17.8 points per game, five assists per game, and five rebounds per game, while shooting 87 percent from the free throw line in the 2017-18 season.

It’s easy to see why she has garnered the attention of college scouts.

LaChance received a slew of awards as she was named to the First Team All-County players list by both the Sun-Sentinel and the Miami herald for her hard work.

Another feat accomplished by LaChance came when she joined the 1,000 point club as a sophomore.

The South Florida point guard has been working on her craft “since day one”, so to speak. It has paid off in more ways than one for the rising junior.

“Being a Division I athlete has always been a dream of mine,” LaChance said. “Ever since I fell in love with basketball in second grade, I remember sitting in front of the TV with a stat book while watching the games. I knew if I kept working hard and pushing myself one day, I could reach my goal.”

When asked who had the biggest influence on her choosing Vanderbilt, LaChance stated, “I solely made the decision. My coaches and my family did not want to pressure me or push me in any direction. They wanted it to be my choice. It was a very easy decision.”

The academic standard of Vanderbilt University is very demanding, and LaChance is definitely up for the challenge on the court as much as she is off the court. LaChance currently holds a 3.89 unweighted GPA and 4.67 weighted GPA.

Striking the balance between being a scholar and superb athlete has definitely played a role in why LaChance chose Vanderbilt.

“Vanderbilt is an exceptional academic school as well as a powerhouse for sports,” LaChance said. “After attending their elite camp in June, I knew I wanted to be a part of the program. I can’t imagine a better fit for me. I am looking forward to playing for an outstanding coaching staff and playing with and learning from the team.”

Familiarity also played a role in LaChance decision as she explained her excitement to play with a former teammate.

“It will be amazing to play with Chelsie Hall,” LaChance said. “Especially because we used to play for the same travel organization, the Miami Suns. The effort she puts in while she plays is truly inspiring.”

Travel league basketball in the summer has propelled LaChance’s game. She spoke very highly of the Miami Suns program.

“I have played for the Miami Suns since sixth grade.” LaChance said. “It’s a top notch travel program that gives their players the platform to play in front of the best coaches out there.”

On this journey from being a second grader recording stats to becoming a Division I student-athlete prospect, many people have helped LaChance along the way, especially her coaches.

“Coach Randy is my trainer who I have been with since seventh grade,” LaChance said. “He has challenged me physically and mentally day in and day out to get me to where I have to be to compete at a high level. He holds me to a higher standard and makes me believe in myself and my ability. He does not allow me to give up and he pushes me to be the best player I can be.”

LaChance delved even further.

“Jason Hively has been my coach for the last two summers on Team Larkins,” LaChance said. “We have excellent communication and he helps me work on my game. I feel a comfort knowing he is on the sideline during games and I can go to him with any question I have about improving.“

Although LaChance has taken her game to a new level and accomplished a huge feat in earning a Division I scholarship offer, not everyone could see the Bella becoming what she is today. But one person took a chance on her, and it’s paying off in more ways than one.

“Coach Berens and I met when I was in eighth grade,” LaChance said. “He believed in me and gave me the chance I needed to run the offense for my varsity team as a freshman. Coach Berens told me he believed that I would be a BCS player. When others doubted me, he didn’t. I wanted and continue to want to make him proud.”

It will be a while before we see Bella in a St. Thomas Aquinas uniform, but she already has her eyes set on her goals for next season.

“This upcoming season on a personal level I plan on continuing to work on the fundamentals, increase my strength, and work on my agility,” LaChance said. “With my high school team, I plan to build chemistry and work hard every day so we can work our way to a state championship.”

It will be interesting to follow the development of the rising junior as she comes into her own. We will stay up to date with Bella LaChance and her progress.