Nicole Vander Helm

Nicole Vander Helm is a former professional basketball player known for her exceptional skills as a guard. Born on March 15, 1995, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she rose through the ranks of youth basketball before earning a scholarship to play at the University of Michigan. During her collegiate career, Vander Helm was a standout performer, leading her team in scoring and assists while earning All-Big Ten honors.

Upon completing her collegiate career in 2017, Vander Helm was selected in the second round of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. Throughout her time in the WNBA, she became known for her three-point shooting accuracy and defensive tenacity, contributing to her team’s playoff runs. Her career highlights include being named to the WNBA All-Star team in 2019 and winning a league championship in 2020.

After retiring from professional play in 2022, Vander Helm shifted her focus to coaching and mentoring young athletes, emphasizing the importance of education and sports. Her legacy in the sport is marked not only by her on-court achievements but also by her commitment to the development of future generations of basketball players. Vander Helm continues to be an influential figure in women's basketball, advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for female athletes.