Lancaster Bible College is pleased to announce the hiring of Doug Helsel as the Head Coach of the women's basketball team. Helsel, a 1993 graduate of Messiah College, will take the reigns after taking the last two seasons off from coaching. Prior to LBC, Helsel was an Assistant Coach for the Franklin & Marshall men's basketball program.

In addition to his work with the Diplomats, Helsel has held assistant jobs at Susquehanna Township, Red Land and Conestoga Valley high schools. He was also the Head Junior Varsity Coach at those three schools.

"I've taken a couple of graduate courses at Lancaster Bible College and have been impressed by the character of the people and the quality of the programs," Helsel said.

Helsel takes over a women's basketball program that earned a berth in the NCCAA East Region Semi-Finals last season, but finished with a 6-19 record. Helsel said he hopes his passion will translate into good things for the team.

"I want our team to bring passion to everything they do on and off the court," Helsel said. "I want to bring a vision that shows we do things the right way and that we focus on what we can control."

LBC Director of Athletics Pete Beers said he is excited for the potential that Helsel brings to the program.

"I think the fresh approach to coaching that Doug brings to the program is great," Beers said. "He seems to bring a good balance as to what our ladies need."

Helsel, who currently serves as a guidence counselor and career development teacher at Conestoga Valley High School, has been an educator for 17 years. He said he loves to coach because it is the purest form of teaching.

"It is fun to teach the game and see the improvements in the players on and off the court," Helsel said.

Helsel and his wife of 13 years Heather have three daughters, Hollyn, Ainslee, and Brynnah. They currently reside in Lancaster, Pa.