Henderson Coach Retiring after 30 Plus Years of Service

Thirty-plus years and 14 head coaching seasons later, Leon Bell captivated still another audience this past Sunday at a high school basketball gathering in Chester County. 

He exhibited the class, skill, influence, knowledge and judgment that has served him so well on the sidelines at high school and college gyms.  This time, though, there was no game.  There was no opponent.  No sweat.  Just tears.

Over the course of more than 300 games since 1997, Bell built on the tradition of Henderson basketball with his accomplished tenure as head coach and the final farewell came during the Henderson Boys Basketball Banquet at the Desmond Great Valley Hotel.

The 35-year educator and one-time Henderson star player and middle school, freshman and junior varsity coach at Henderson and Stetson had considered retirement in earlier years.

“Each time,” he offered, “another group of young men would come along.”

The connection he has with those young men and the impact he could have on them from his position of influence was always strong enough to bring him back.  The consistent winning and four league championships were  just some of the rewards along the way.

“I will miss everything,” he assured the group, which included varsity, freshman and junior varsity players plus parents and supporters. “The rewards of the relationships are worth more than money.”

The point that he emphasized most strongly was in tribute to all of the coaches and administrators who helped him along the way.  “It is so true what they say that it takes a village to make be successful with these students,” he continued.  “I have to thank all the coaches and everyone involved in the program.”

Speaking for the players, senior standout Austin Constable was moved to pause in tearful reflection as he expressed the appreciation of the players.  The feeling of love and respect in the room was one that rested lightly on everyone’s shoulders.

“What makes it great is the relationships,” Bell continued.  He then told of his final dilemma, a 15-point third quarter deficit in the District I Tournament last month before a raucous, anti-Henderson sold out gymnasium one hour away at Pennridge High School.  “I was trying to figure out how to change the momentum when I turned away from the court and saw one of my former players peering through one of those narrow windows into the gym.  He couldn’t get in but had driven all the way from Washington D.C. because he heard that it might be my last game.”

Everyone appreciated and understood the story, including  Bell’s older brother, James, who beamed with pride at the opportunity to speak about coming home from military service years ago to find his kid brother a basketball star.

“We’re not sure what Leon is going to do now,” he stated.  “But we know he will be in position to help someone else walk through this life.”