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Bella Keller made an immediate impact on the IL cross country scene, as evidenced by this scene at the 2023 1A State Meet
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Isabella Keller has probably grown tired of the deja vu moments between her and big sister Anna Sophia Keller... but there is one more honor they will share: the first. The freshman sensation joins Anna Sophia as the first sister duo to win IL Gatorade Athlete Of The Year. This is undoubtedly a proud moment for the Keller family and Effingham St. Anthony High School Community.
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Official press release--
ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
The 4'8" stalwart won her first Class 1A state crown this past season with a time of 16:26.2 to complete an unbeaten 2023 campaign on three-mile courses. Keller's state meet victory was the fastest all-class time of the day. She followed with breakout performances at the Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional, where she took third, and the NXN Final, where she finished eighth in 17:43.4 to earn Second Team All-America honors. She also broke five course records last fall, previously held by her sister, Anna Sophia Keller, a two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year winner.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Keller has maintained a 4.00 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her sophomore year of high school this fall.
EXEMPLARY CHARACTER
A member of the Spanish Club at her school, Keller has volunteered locally as a lector at her parish, Sacred Heart Church, and for the Effingham Humane Society, in addition to teaching youth swimming lessons.