Valparaiso University head basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced the hiring of Steve Helm as an assistant coach for the Crusader women’s program.

Helm arrives at Valpo after coaching at Ancilla College in Plymouth, Ind. for six years, the last five as the school’s men’s head coach.  During his stay with the Chargers, Helm coached a national Coca-Cola All-American, three distinguished All-Americans, as well as five Academic All-Americans.  He had 16 players earn All-Michigan Community College Athletic Association honors as well as nine student-athletes recognized as Academic All-MCCAA selections.

While at Ancilla, Helm helped the Chargers set a school record for conference victories, and guided the squad to its first MCCAA tournament victory as well as the school’s first regional tournament win.

“I am really excited about joining the Valpo family and having the opportunity to work with coach Freeman and his staff,” Helm said.  “It has always been a goal of mine to coach at the Division I level, and am really excited to do at a place like Valpo.”

Prior to Ancilla, Helm coached at McCutcheon High School, helping with all levels, from 2002-2004.  He also has spent one season as a volunteer assistant at Tennessee Wesleyan College.  Helm was a Third Team All-American in 1998 at Montana State University-Northern as well as the Frontier Conference Most Valuable Player that same season.  He went on to play for the ABA Indiana Legends in 2002.

“I am excited to have Steve join our program,” Freeman said.  “He has a great deal of experience as a head coach and we are now excited to have him as part of the Valpo community.”

Helm earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tenn.