The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
Prior to the start of his senior season at Millikan High, lefty Daunte Bell has announced his college commitment to the University of Houston.
The Rams’ ace broke onto the scene last season as a junior, posting a 1.72 ERA in 57 innings pitched. He allowed fewer than a baserunner per inning (37 hits, 19 walks) and racked up an impressive 94 strikeouts.
Those numbers for a 6-foot-3, left-handed starting pitcher will certainly draw attention from college coaches, and Bell weighed some quality options before deciding on the Cougars. He chose Houston over interest from prominent West Coast programs like UCLA and Washington.
“It was such a long process with me and my family trying to decide on a college–seeing where was the best fit and the best place for me to develop at my fullest–and we felt like it was the University of Houston,” said Bell, who locked in his decision after taking a visit to the campus. “When we were out there, it was nothing but joy. From start to finish it felt like home, honestly, and that’s what was most important to me.”
Bell said he originally thought he’d end up playing at a West Coast school, but as he explored his options he was drawn to what Houston has to offer, particularly in the coaching staff. Head coach Todd Whitting is set to begin his 16th season in charge of his alma mater in 2026, and the Cougars are also welcoming in a well-respected pitching coach in the season ahead, bringing Matt Gardner over from Texas Tech.
In 12 seasons as a pitching coach for the Red Raiders, Gardner coached 37 MLB draft picks, and helped Texas Tech reach the College World Series four times in their eight postseason appearances. Bell got a call from Gardner after making his first appearance at the Area Code Games this past summer, hosted at the familiar confines of Bohl Diamond at Blair Field, and the two hit it off right away.
“Coach Whitting has been trying to get Coach Gardner for the past, I think, five seasons while he was at Texas Tech, so just to have him over now and be able to connect with him at Houston was truly special,” said Bell, who views Gardner as not just a coach but like a mentor and older family member. “The way he approaches the game and the pitching side, it’s unlike anyone else. He’s truly locked in on what he does, and he understands that every guy is different, and I love that.”
Bell said the program that Gardner laid out for him is similar to what he’s been doing at Millikan, which has led to some great results for the reigning Moore League Pitcher of the Year.
In a 1-0 win over Long Beach Poly last year, Bell racked up an impressive 13 strikeouts in a complete game shutout. It was one of four double-digit strikeout performances for the southpaw, who had a pair of complete games to help lead the Rams to a share of the Moore League title.
Now that his college plans are settled, Bell can focus on being at his best for his senior season. He said his stuff has continued to improve, but he’s learned a lot about the psychological part of the game as well.
Bell credits former Millikan teammate Anthony Pack–who’s also playing his college ball in the Lone Star State after signing with the University of Texas–for showing him the ropes, and how to approach the game when your opponent has your name circled on the lineup card.
“I’ve been focusing on the mental side of the game, because I know people know who I am now, and they’re gunning for me and they want to beat me,” Bell admitted. “I’m going into every game as, ‘Hey, it’s just another game’ and I’m gonna do my part to help my team win. And what I’m gonna do is just throw strikes, go where my coach tells me location-wise, and I’m just going to deliver at the fullest for my team.”
