The injury occurred during the second half of the Tar Heels’ season opening win over Tennessee on Aug. 18.
“I am devastated this season has come to an end for me, but I am so excited to see all this team accomplishes and cheer them on the entire way,” Bell said. “I’m just going to try to focus on getting better and the fact that I get to be at UNC for another year with these amazing girls.”
Bell, a two-time All-ACC performer, has played in 57 career games and has scored five goals from his back line position. She anchored a defense that has produced 43 clean sheets over the last three seasons.
“For all the games that Maycee took care of us, now it’s our turn to take care of her,” UNC head coach Anson Dorrance said. “She has extraordinary potential and yes, there are options for us to take to have her play this season and get on the field, but she is a world class soccer player with huge potential so what we’re going to do is the safest thing to protect her future.
“Unquestionably, we will miss her, but her future is bright and we are going to make sure it stays that way.”
The top-ranked Tar Heels have won each of their first three games to start the season and will return to the pitch on Sunday, Aug. 28, against Baylor in Austin, Texas.