At this weeks University of Rochester Athletics and Recreation Awards Banquet, senior Megan Bell of the women's track and field program was honored as the recipient of the 2025 Merle Spurrier Award.
 
This award originated in 1961 to give recognition to the senior woman who has made the most outstanding contribution to women's sports by demonstrating such qualities as leadership, enthusiasm and service in her four years at the University.
 
Over her four years, Bell has been one of the most successful athletes in program history, capturing a pair of national titles on Rochester's 4x400 meter relay team, winning indoor crowns during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In addition to her Division III titles, Bell is an 8-time First Team All-American, has won 13 Liberty League conference titles and secured five wins at the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Championships.
 
The Wynantskill, New York native holds seven Rochester school records, four Liberty League records, and ranks inside the top-10 all-time in Division III history in the indoor and outdoor 800 meter events, along with being on Rochester's Division III record-setting 4x400 meter relay team from two seasons ago. 
 
During the Liberty League Championships this season, Bell was named Track Performer of the Meet at both the indoor and outdoor meets, winning three titles at each. Her efforts outdoors helped Rochester as a team win the conference title, the fourth straight for the Yellowjackets women's program. She also received national honors this season, being named the Division III National Athlete of the Week last month following her performance at the William & Mary Colonial Relays.
 
Academically, Bell's accomplishments are equally remarkable. She is a 2-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-American, was elected Phi Beta Kappa this spring, is a Provost Circle Scholar and received the Lysle 'Spike' Garnish Scholar-Athlete award during the fall. The senior is a 3-time All-Academic selection in the Liberty League and from the United Stats Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
One of UR's team captains, Bell is also a part of three prestigious honor societies, Keidaeans, Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Eta Mu Beta. She has served as a teaching assistant in the Biomedical Engineering department and was a Process Sciences Lab Intern at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals along with being a Scholar in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate Students program at Cleveland State University.
 
Bell will graduate this spring with a degree in Biomedical Engineering.
 
Merle Spurrier served in the Department of Physical Education for 30 years and rose to Director of the women's program. She oversaw activities in 10 sports.