Red Wolves - IU East

Chelsea Helms, a recent Centerville High School graduate and the reigning Tri-Eastern Conference No. 1 singles champion, has signed a letter of intent to play tennis for Indiana University East starting with the 2012-13 school year.

Red Wolves coach Erskine Ratchford announced the signing June 28.

Helms won the Tri-Eastern Conference No. 1 singles title as a senior to help Centerville claim a share of the league team title.

Helms was part of Centerville's conference championship team as a junior and part of a sectional championship team as a sophomore.

"We are excited to welcome Chelsea aboard," Ratchford said. "Chelsea is a proven competitor who brings a successful and winning tennis background to IU East. Her experience and high level of play will strengthen the Red Wolves women's tennis team and enable us to continue our winning tradition. We look forward to Chelsea competing for IU East in the upcoming fall season."

Chelsea is the daughter of James Helms III and Linda Helms.

She plans to major in physical therapy.

She is the first signee is IU East's 2012 women's tennis recruiting class.

IU East is an NAIA program. The Red Wolves had the most improved winning percentage among Indiana college tennis programs and advanced to the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship match during the 2011-12 season.