LILBURN, Ga. – The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has announced its annual award of the 2025 Thirty Under 30 presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment recognitions, with Assistant Coach Terra Helm being named to the prestigious group.
The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women's basketball coaches aged 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree has exemplified their involvement in community service, mentorship and impact on others, professional manner, and attitude and professional association involvement.
"Congratulations to these coaches who have distinguished themselves so early in their careers," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "The WBCA is pleased to recognize this up-and-coming talent in our coaching family. We celebrate their effort on the basketball court as teachers and equally applaud the extensive role they play in impacting the lives of their student-athletes."
"Morgan Stanley is proud to celebrate the outstanding young leaders recognized in the 2025 class of the WBCA Thirty Under 30 program," said John Ludwig, global sports and entertainment director for Morgan Stanley. "These trailblazing coaches exemplify dedication, innovation, and a passion for shaping the future of women's basketball. Their impact extends far beyond the court, inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders. We applaud their commitment to excellence and look forward to seeing their continued success in the sport."
Helm gave the following on becoming a recipient of the award:
"It is an honor to not only be nominated but selected for the WBCA Thirty Under 30 program. This recognition not only celebrates my passion and commitment to the game, but also the incredible mentors, colleagues, and athletes who have shaped my journey. I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in women's basketball and to inspire the next generation of leaders and game-changers."
Head Coach Kari Kerkhoff gave her remarks on her assistant's work ethic:
"Terra is a loyal, dedicated, and hardworking coach who continues to grow while making an impact in our program. Her ability to connect, mentor, and elevate those around her makes her truly deserving of this WBCA Thirty Under 30 honor."
Helm was a driving factor for the women's basketball team as soon as she stepped foot on the McKendree campus on May 11th, 2023. In the two years thus far, she helped the program reach its most and second-most win totals in a season in back-to-back campaigns.
The 2024-25 year saw the team start out with a bang, winning the first seven games and posting a winning record within conference action but ultimately fell short of reaching the GLVC Championship Tournament. In the year prior, the program tabbed a team-NCAA DII record 20 victories, highlighted by a nine-game win streak and earning a 2-seed in the conference tournament.
Helm assisted in the success of All-Conference players, including the likes of Clare Breden, Naomi McDaniel, Kyra Taylor, and Madyson Harper. She was even a key piece in the immense development of Baylie Parks, who went from scoring 2.6 points per game in her freshman year to averaging 18.9 points in her sophomore campaign, eventually leading to First-Team All-GLVC and D2 CCA Midwest Region First Team. Breden snagged the D2 CCA Midwest Region Second Team in the 2023-24 year.
The second-year assistant coach has been no stranger to the WBCA and its accolades, as she was named to the annual Next Generation Institute on December 12th of 2024, which is a program for experienced assistant coaches who aspire to become collegiate head coaches.
Here are the 2025 WBCA Thirty Under 30 honorees:
Jenna Allen - Central Michigan University
Annie Barrett - New York University
Peyton Booth - Youngstown State University
Lauren Brocke - Air Force Academy
Kiara Carter - Chicago State University
Mi'Cole Cayton - Louisiana State University Shreveport
Kayla Cooper Williams - James Madison University
Paige Corkins - College of the Holy Cross
Moriah Crisp - Marist University
Tania Davis - University of Iowa
Jenny DeGraaf - University of South Carolina Upstate
Terra Helm - McKendree University
Holly Hoopingarner - Butler University
Courtney Jaco - University of Southern California
Kacie Jones - South Dakota State University
Ashleigh Lopez - Grand Canyon University
Samantha Mancinelli - Tufts University
Ashton Millender - DePaul University
Caelyn Orlandi - Lewis-Clark State College
Abigail Owings - University of Cincinnati
Katherine Puda - Smith College
Amber Raisner - Yale University
Ty Rozier - Fairleigh Dickinson University
Metropolitan Blair Schaefer - University of Texas
Brianna Spector - Franklin & Marshall College
Ariel Stephenson - University of Richmond
Colsten Thompson - University of Alabama
Uyen Tran - Wichita State University
Angel Whetstone - Madison College
Ashley Williams - Hanover College
Olivia Woolam - Denison University
Harlyn Wyatt - University of Memphis
Maya Wynn - Anderson University
This is the 10th year of the WBCA Thirty Under 30 program.
The criteria to be eligible for the award include:
• Must be age 30 and under and a WBCA member.
• Recipient must turn 30 prior to April 1st of the current season.
• Nominator is required to submit a description of why the nominee is deserving of this recognition.
Description to include:
• Community service involvement
• Mentorship and impact on others
• Professional manner and attitude
• Professional association involvement
About the WBCA
The Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to the organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit WBCA.org for more details about the association.