January 15, 2026

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Bella Thomas has always been more of a sprinter than a distance runner. When she started exploring college options, she was focused on ones closer to home. But after realizing what opportunities were available a little further away, she didn’t mind the distance after all. Thomas recently signed with Montana State University and will be running in the Big Sky Conference next year.

“When we started with ScoutU, Bella wanted to be a car ride away from home,” her mom Tricia said. “Then as the weeks progressed and she was gaining interest from coaches, that thought quickly changed. The contacts and exposure from ScoutU opened Bella’s eyes to just how big the future could be for her.”

Thomas (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) grew up in the Midwest, and Montana State felt like home immediately. The campus was exciting, while the city of Bozeman provides a beautiful backdrop.

“When we first started helping out Bella, I was excited to see how much interest she would get with her being a 3-time state champion,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “I wasn’t surprised when she had over 100 colleges reach out shortly after we sent out her profile around the country. I’m so happy she found a great fit at Montana State and can’t wait to see how she does during her college career!”

Thomas knows that running at the highest level will be a challenge. She considers herself lucky to be provided the chance – seeing that just 2.8% of high school track athletes reach NCAA Division I. Thanks to her 11.94 100-meter time and increased exposure, Thomas earned double-digit offers and had more than 100 phone calls with college coaches.

“It was very staggering how intense – and at times overwhelming – the recruiting process actually is,” Tricia Thomas said. “Jason was always willing to help with any questions and offer guidance. We know that without ScoutU and Jason, Bella would not have pursued MSU and been presented with such an amazing opportunity.”