University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Nikitina-Helvey Steps Down As Head Coach

8/3/2014 3:04:00 PM

Natalya Nikitina-Helvey

EDMOND (Aug. 3) – Central Oklahoma tennis coach Natalya Nikitina-Helvey ended a highly-successful eight-year career with the Bronchos Sunday when she stepped down to accept a teaching position at Cameron University.

Nikitina-Helvey, who will take over as a full-time faculty member in the Sports & Exercise Science Department at Cameron, compiled a 109-67 record and guided UCO to the NCAA Division II national tournament five times.

The Bronchos went 5-14 in her first year in 2006-07 and then made their first national playoff appearance in seven years the following season. UCO went back to the national tournament in 2009, '10, '12 and '13, with the 2013 squad going 17-4.

"After eight very interesting years it's time to say good-bye to my tennis team and UCO as I make a new and exciting career change," said Nikitina-Helvey, who guided the Bronchos to a 15-9 record this past season. "I made some amazing friends at UCO and really appreciate the support I received from people on campus and in the community.

"We built a respectable program and I'm very proud of the things we accomplished, but most importantly I'm grateful I got the opportunity to coach and mentor so many great young women who will always be very special to me."

A three-time singles and doubles All-American at Oklahoma Christian, Nikitina-Helvey coached at Wichita State for two years before taking over at UCO.

"We are grateful to Natalya for her leadership of the tennis program over the past eight years and wish her the very best," said UCO athletic director Joe Muller, who added that a national search for a successor will begin as soon as possible.

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