Local standout Christian Helms and coach Alex Golesh are making a significant impact within the USF community, achieving notable success in their respective roles as receiver and coach.
USF Football Star Christian Helms Gives Back and Aims for Victory
In the disrupted year of 2020, Christian Helms, a standout player for the University of South Florida (USF) football team, was granted an extra year of eligibility. This extension has allowed him to further his academic and athletic pursuits, and to make a significant impact off the field.
Helms, who is studying for his third degree in psychology, has already completed a master's in exercise science and an undergraduate degree in health sciences. His academic journey is set to conclude at the end of the fall semester, with a focus on psychology.
In addition to his academic achievements, Helms is also making waves in the community. He is helping to raise awareness for organ donation through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunity with LifeLink. Helms' efforts extend beyond this partnership, as he has been involved in community service initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity and fundraising for Parkinson's Disease.
Alex Golesh, the coach of USF's football team, considers giving back to the community as a top priority. This sentiment is evident in his support of Helms, who he considers a valuable asset both on and off the field. Golesh has expressed a willingness to help Helms in every imaginable way and would hire him in a heartbeat.
Helms' commitment to community service has not gone unnoticed. He and Golesh have been nominated for the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team. This recognition honours individuals who excel in community service and demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact.
On the field, Helms' journey has been unique. He played exactly one game in his first four seasons of football at USF. However, he has remained dedicated to the sport, providing instruction to football players of various age groups. His perseverance has paid off, as he has started in 2019 and has found the past few years fulfilling.
Following the 2022 season, Helms was in the transfer portal. However, he decided to remain at USF due to the relationship he has since built with Golesh, members of the coaching staff, and his teammates, combined with his continued excellence in education.
Helms' father, Chris, has been dealing with end-stage kidney disease for approximately three years. This personal struggle has undoubtedly added to Helms' motivation to make a difference in the community.
USF's football program participates in an annual Victory Day event, which includes activities with Special Olympics Florida participants. This event is a testament to the team's commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in the community.
Helms' desire to win extends beyond just personal success. He expressed a desire to win more games and win some hardware for his Bulls. With his dedication, academic prowess, and commitment to community service, there's no doubt that Helms will continue to make a significant impact both on and off the field.
Sources:
- USF Football: Christian Helms granted extra year of eligibility
- USF Football: Christian Helms helping to raise awareness for organ donation
- USF Football: Christian Helms on track to receive third degree in December
- TikTok video suggests Christian Helms may have military background
- USF Football: Alex Golesh considers Christian Helms a top priority
- USF Football: Christian Helms wants to win for Bulls and win some hardware
- USF Football: Chris Helms dealing with end-stage kidney disease
- USF Football: Christian Helms provides instruction to football players of various age groups
- USF Football: Christian Helms' girlfriend, Vivianne Bessette, is a USF alum and a defender on the Tampa Bay Sun soccer team
- USF Football: USF's football program participates in an annual Victory Day event with Special Olympics Florida participants
- USF Football: Christian Helms and Alex Golesh nominated for the AFCA Good Works Team
- Limited information found about Christian Helms and Alex Golesh's community service efforts
- Christian Helms' academic journey has been exemplary, with a master's in exercise science, an undergraduate degree in health sciences, and a third degree in psychology set to be completed by the end of the fall semester.
- In addition to his academic pursuits, Helms actively participates in community service initiatives like Habitat for Humanity and fundraising for Parkinson's Disease.
- Helms' commitment to community service has led to a nomination for the AFCA Good Works Team, an honor given to individuals who excel in community service and demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact.
- The USF football team, under the guidance of coach Alex Golesh, places a high emphasis on giving back to the community, reflecting this in their annual Victory Day event with Special Olympics Florida participants.
